Strategic Buyer

Strategic Buyer

Location: Hayes, UK
Job Type: Full-time, primarily on-site
Salary: up to £60,000, dependent on experience.

About the Role

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a leading organisation based in Hayes for an experienced Strategic Buyer to join their Material & OEM Cooperation Management team.

This is a key strategic procurement position, responsible for sourcing services and materials, managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercially complex contracts.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in strategic procurement and sourcing, with the ability to manage the full procurement lifecycle - from market analysis and supplier selection through to contract negotiation, supplier performance and renewal.

The Role

As Strategic Buyer, you will:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies across assigned service and material categories.
• Lead RFQs, tenders and supplier selection processes.
• Conduct market research, benchmarking and cost analysis to identify savings and value opportunities.
• Negotiate complex commercial contracts, including pricing, payment terms, service levels, liability, warranties, IP, confidentiality and termination provisions.
• Work closely with Legal and internal stakeholders to ensure contracts are commercially effective and appropriately managed.
• Identify and manage commercial, contractual, supply chain and supplier risks.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance through regular business reviews, corrective actions and contract renewals.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across Finance, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Information Security and other functions.
• Conduct supplier assessments and attend supplier meetings and negotiations.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready procurement and contract documentation.
• Provide support to the wider buying team when required.
• Take ownership of procurement activities from initial requirement through to completion.

About You

We are looking for an experienced procurement professional with a strong background in strategic sourcing, commercial negotiation and supplier management.

You should have:

• Significant experience in strategic procurement, sourcing and supplier management.
• Proven experience negotiating commercial contracts and supplier agreements.
• Good understanding of contractual and legal requirements.
• Strong knowledge of procurement compliance and corporate governance.
• Experience managing both services and materials procurement.
• Strong commercial, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, forecasting and dashboards.
• Strong PowerPoint skills and experience preparing business cases, supplier reviews and management presentations.
• Experience using AI tools and digital technologies to improve procurement processes and decision-making.
• Experience assessing and managing supplier performance.
• Experience with ERP systems; SAP experience is desirable.
• A degree, professional qualification or equivalent relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, business, law or a related discipline.

Desirable Experience

• CIPS qualification or progress towards CIPS membership.
• Procurement experience within aviation or aerospace.
• Knowledge of information security principles.
• ISO 27001 awareness.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be a confident and credible negotiator who can balance commercial value, operational requirements and risk.

You will be comfortable working independently, managing multiple priorities and dealing with complex contractual and commercial information. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as you will work closely with both internal teams and external suppliers.