Senior Buyer
Location: Greater Manchester
Hours: 38 hours per week
Contract: Full Time
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £35,000 – £40.000
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to take ownership of strategic sourcing, supplier management and commercial procurement within an electronics manufacturing environment.
Working closely with Engineering, Production, Quality and Commercial teams, you’ll ensure materials are sourced competitively, delivered on time and available to support both existing production and new product introductions. The role also plays a key part in reducing supply chain risk, improving supplier performance and driving cost-saving initiatives.
Strategic Sourcing
- Develop sourcing strategies to support business objectives.
- Lead RFQs, supplier selection and benchmarking exercises.
- Maintain and develop the approved supplier base.
- Identify opportunities for dual sourcing and supplier resilience.
Commercial Procurement
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and long-term supply agreements.
- Deliver cost reduction initiatives through PPV and value engineering.
- Support quotation activity with accurate material costings.
Supplier Management
- Manage supplier performance across quality, delivery and responsiveness.
- Carry out supplier reviews and improvement plans.
- Resolve supplier issues and implement corrective actions.
- Build long-term supplier relationships to improve overall performance.
Supply Chain
- Proactively manage shortages, obsolescence and capacity issues.
- Identify alternative sourcing options where required.
- Support business continuity planning and minimise supply chain risk.
New Product Introduction
- Support sourcing activities during NPI.
- Review BOMs and identify cost or availability risks.
- Recommend alternative components where appropriate.
- Ensure materials are available to support prototype and production builds.
Cross Functional Working
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality and Commercial teams.
- Support the resolution of critical material and supply issues.
Experience Required
- Previous experience as a Senior Buyer or similar procurement role within electronics manufacturing or a comparable technical manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in supplier selection, RFQs and commercial negotiations.
- Experience delivering cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
- Proven ability to manage supply chain risks including shortages, obsolescence and capacity constraints.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), BOM reviews and component sourcing.
Technical Knowledge
- Understanding of electronics supply chains and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems within a manufacturing environment.
Skills
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Able to build effective supplier relationships and work across multiple departments.
Essential
- CIPS Level 4–6
Desirable
- Degree qualified
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