Strategic Buyer

Strategic Buyer

Please note: This position is available for a January 2027 start.

Location: Poole, Dorset
Salary: Competitive (DOE)
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: January 2027

Strategic Buyer – Aerospace & Precision Engineering

Collide Technical Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of our client, a well-established precision engineering business supplying the Aerospace and Defence sectors, for an experienced Strategic Buyer to join their Purchasing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to play a key role in developing supplier relationships, reducing supply chain risk and supporting long-term business growth.

The Role

Reporting to the Managing Director, you'll take ownership of strategic supplier management, developing long-term partnerships with key suppliers whilst driving improvements in cost, quality, delivery and overall supplier performance.

You'll work closely with internal departments including Supply Chain, Quality and Production to ensure a resilient and high-performing supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Monitor, measure and improve supplier performance in partnership with the Quality team.
• Negotiate long-term agreements (LTAs) and contracts with key suppliers, subject to Director approval.
• Identify opportunities to reduce supplier costs whilst minimising supply chain risk.
• Provide long-term forecast information to suppliers.
• Lead supplier review meetings both internally and on supplier sites.
• Complete annual supplier risk assessments and implement improvement plans where required.
• Maintain and update the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Manage supplier Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Support Scope 3 carbon reduction initiatives across the supply chain.
• Contribute towards the company's wider sustainability and carbon reduction objectives.
• Ensure ethics and compliance requirements are communicated throughout the supply chain.
• Provide support to the Technical Buyer, including raising purchase orders and RFQs during periods of absence.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience in a Strategic Buyer, Senior Buyer or Procurement role.
• Experience building and developing supplier relationships.
• Strong negotiation and commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience conducting supplier performance reviews and supplier audits.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and supply chain development.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Previous experience within the Aerospace, Defence or Precision Engineering sectors.
• Knowledge of supplier quality systems and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with long-term supplier agreements and contract negotiation.

What's on Offer

• Permanent, full-time position.
• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to join a growing precision engineering business.
• Long-term career development.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Please note: This position is available for a January 2027 start.

If you're an experienced Strategic Buyer looking for your next challenge within the Aerospace and Defence sector, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Collide Technical Recruitment for more information.