Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer
Coventry
£30 £35 per hour
6 Month Contract

Looking for a fast-paced, varied procurement role where no two days are the same?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join a highly dynamic engineering and manufacturing environment in Coventry. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a technically complex, fast-moving production setting where you ll manage time-critical projects, engage with a diverse supplier base, and play a key role in keeping manufacturing operations running smoothly.

If you are a driven procurement professional who thrives in a high-performance supply chain environment and enjoys both the commercial and operational aspects of engineering procurement, this contract offers real impact and responsibility from day one.

The Role

As Senior Buyer, you will take ownership of engineering procurement and supply chain management activities across low-volume, technically complex components including:

• Fabrications
• Electrical harnessing
• Mechanical and electrical engineered components
• OEM parts and aftermarket products
• Production and MRO materials

You will be responsible for supplier relationship management, cost reduction, purchase order management, material planning (MRP), and driving supplier performance to ensure uninterrupted production.

This role sits at the heart of manufacturing operations, working closely with Planning, Production, Quality and Engineering teams to deliver on business-critical objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Placing and managing purchase orders using ERP/MRP systems (QAD experience desirable)
• Leading supplier negotiations to achieve cost savings and improved commercial terms
• Developing and managing long-term supply agreements
• Driving supplier performance through KPI management (OTIF, quality, delivery metrics)
• Supporting production through effective material planning and inventory control
• Using MRP systems to manage demand, forecasts and stock optimisation
• Resolving supply chain risks in a time-critical manufacturing environment
• Maintaining supplier quotation databases and procurement documentation
• Enhancing procurement processes and supply chain efficiency
• Mentoring and supporting Buyers within the procurement team

Experience Required

We are looking for a Senior Buyer or Procurement Specialist with:

• Proven experience in engineering or manufacturing procurement
• Strong background sourcing mechanical and/or electrical components
• Experience working with OEM and aftermarket parts
• Solid understanding of supply chain management in a production environment
• ERP/MRP system experience (QAD highly advantageous)
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness
• Experience managing a broad supplier portfolio
• Ability to operate independently and cross-functionally
• Knowledge of ITAR / Export Controls or working within regulated industries would be advantageous.

Security & Eligibility Requirements

Due to the nature of this position:

• Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years continuous UK residency
• Must be eligible to obtain and pass UK Security Clearance
• Must have the right to work in the UK

Why Apply?

• Work in a technically interesting and highly varied manufacturing environment
• Exposure to complex engineered products and supply chain challenges
• Opportunity to drive supplier performance and cost optimisation
• Competitive contract rate of £30 £35 per hour
• Structured working hours with early Friday finish

If you are an experienced Senior Buyer, Manufacturing Buyer, Procurement Specialist or Supply Chain Professional looking for your next contract opportunity in a fast-paced engineering setting we would love to hear from you.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.