Senior Buyer

Indirect Category Buyer - Logistics and Materials
Location: Somerset or Coventry (Hybrid)

Are you ready to take charge of strategic sourcing and procurement in a fast-paced, innovative environment? As the Indirect Category Buyer for Logistics and Materials, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing essential indirect materials and services. From dies and molds to export-import logistics and small tools, your work will directly enhance our company's efficiency and performance.

What You'll Do:

• Spearhead indirect purchasing for Capex/Opex goods and services tailored for an OEM.
• Drive end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFI, RFQ, cost comparisons, zero-based costing, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with cross-functional teams-finance, operations, production-and key external partners.
• Assess supplier capabilities, ensuring high-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery to maximise value.
• Execute impactful contracts across categories: dies, molds, consumables, small tools, HSE items, logistics providers (Export-Import, 3PL), employee transportation, canteen services, office/site rentals, and more.
• Stay ahead of market trends, uncovering innovative suppliers and cost-saving alternatives to optimize operations.
• Develop and present cost-reduction strategies and category plans to the Procurement Lead.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain to maintain uninterrupted operations.

What You Bring:

• Proven expertise in indirect sourcing, particularly in OPEX functions for automotive or tech companies, with experience in Greenfield or Brownfield projects.
• Deep knowledge of vendor management, contract finalisation, and legal frameworks.
• Solid project management skills with a knack for balancing priorities and meeting deadlines independently.
• Familiarity with zero-based costing, especially for fabrication items, and a sharp understanding of price trends in key components like pipes, valves, and fittings.
• A commitment to strategic decision-making and strong problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering would be desirable.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Ariba.
• CIPS qualification would be advantageous.