Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer - Global Specialist Manufacturer £ Hybrid nr Milton Keynes Permanent

This is a rare chance to join a genuinely exciting, high-growth global business at a pivotal point in its development. Our client is a specialist manufacturer operating in a complex, fast-moving international environment - supplying into some of the world's most demanding industries and growing rapidly as a result.

As Senior Buyer, you will be a key part of a close-knit purchasing team, working directly with the Purchasing Manager and taking real ownership of your supplier base. This is a hands-on, high-pace role - not a strategic or category management position. You will be in the detail every day: managing purchase orders, driving supplier performance, resolving issues and keeping the operation moving.

What You'll Be Doing:

Supplier & Supply Chain Management

• Negotiate prices, terms and service level agreements to ensure the operations team can deliver to customers within expected lead times

Day-to-Day Buying & Order Management

• Issue purchase orders to suppliers and provide all necessary documentation for custom materials

ERP, Data & Reporting

• Review and maintain SAP master data to ensure accuracy at all times

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering and Operations teams to arrange timely supply of approved materials

What They're Looking For:

Essential

• Minimum three years' experience in a buying or purchasing role
• Hands-on experience using an ERP or MRP system (SAP strongly preferred - other systems considered if you can demonstrate ability to adapt quickly)
• Broad end-to-end supply chain and operations knowledge
• Experience managing international suppliers
• Strong interpersonal skills - comfortable communicating across all levels, from the shop floor to senior leadership
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple priorities simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and take ownership of problems through to resolution
• Willingness to travel occasionally as required

Desirable

• CIPS qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) - Level 3 minimum
• Direct SAP experience (MM module or equivalent)
• Exposure to Engineering Change Order (ECO) or Engineering Change Note (ECN) processes
• Experience in a regulated or quality-driven manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

All applications treated in strict confidence. The client name and full location will be shared with suitable candidates at telephone screening stage.