Senior Buyer

Title: Senior Buyer
Location: Derby
Salary: up to £55k plus car allowance
Hybrid Working

SF Recruitment are partnering with a leading manufacturing business in Derby to recruit a Senior Buyer on a permanent basis. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established organisation operating within a highly regulated manufacturing environment, where you'll play a key role in developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier performance, and driving commercial value across direct material categories. This is an initial 18 month contract with a chance the role could become permanent.

Reporting into the Procurement function, you will be responsible for the strategic management of direct commodities, ensuring the business has a high-performing and resilient supply base that supports operational and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities
-Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies for direct commodities.
-Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth.
-Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance improvements across cost, quality, and delivery.
-Lead supplier negotiations, including pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements.
-Monitor supplier KPIs and manage supplier development activities.
-Analyse purchasing data, market trends, and commodity risks to support strategic decision-making.
-Work collaboratively with Engineering, Production, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to align procurement activity with business requirements.
-Resolve supply chain issues and proactively manage supply risk.
-Drive continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to optimise the supplier base.

About You
-Previous experience within a Commodity Manager, Category Manager, Senior Buyer, or Strategic Buyer position.
-Strong supplier management, sourcing, and contract negotiation experience.
-Excellent commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
-Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier performance.
-Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
-Previous experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, or another industrial environment.
-Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
-Experience using ERP systems and Microsoft Office.

A professional procurement qualification such as CIPS (or equivalent) would be advantageous but is not essential.

If you're an experienced procurement professional looking to take the next step in your career within a strategic Commodity Management role, please apply with a copy of your CV today.