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Senior Buyer

  • Reading, Berkshire
  • Competitive salary GBP / Year
  • Salary: Competitive salary

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Your new company
A leading manufacturing organisation based in Reading, operating within a highly regulated industry. The company is known for delivering high-quality, technically advanced products and maintaining strict compliance with industry standards. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to strengthen their procurement function.

Your new role
As a Senior Buyer, you will take ownership of end-to-end procurement activities across a range of direct and indirect categories. You will play a key role in driving cost savings, ensuring supplier performance, and maintaining compliance with regulatory and quality standards.You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to support both ongoing operations and new product development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead sourcing activities, including supplier identification, evaluation, and onboarding in line with regulatory requirements
  • Manage RFQs, tender processes, and complex negotiations to secure best value (cost, quality, delivery)
  • Develop and implement procurement strategies to support business objectives and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring long-term partnerships and performance management
  • Monitor supplier performance, addressing quality, delivery, and compliance issues effectively
  • Ensure all procurement activities align with internal policies and external regulatory standards (e.g. ISO, aerospace/defence/pharma compliance)
  • Support new product development (NPD) and engineering projects with timely sourcing solutions
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives and inventory optimisation
  • Manage risk within the supply chain, ensuring continuity of supply
  • Mentor or support junior buyers where required

What you'll need to succeed
Proven experience in a Senior Buyer or Buyer role within a regulated manufacturing environment
Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation
Experience sourcing technical components (e.g. machined parts, electronics, assemblies, or complex materials)
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, IFS)
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering cost savings
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
CIPS Qualification

What you'll get in return
Competitive salary and benefits packageOpportunity to work within a highly respected and growing organisation
Exposure to advanced manufacturing and engineering projects
Career progression and development opportunities
Collaborative and supportive working environment

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.

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