Shipley
C £50k plus bonus and benefits
Cubed Talent are proud to be recruiting a Senior Strategic Buyer for a leading, advanced manufacturing organisation specialising in complex, precision-engineered machine tools. This is a pivotal role focused on building a resilient supply chain, ensuring exceptional supplier quality, and maintaining strict compliance within a regulated, high-accuracy engineering environment.
If you thrive in strategic procurement, enjoy assessing and managing supplier risk, and excel in environments where quality is non-negotiable—you’ll feel right at home.
The Opportunity
As Senior Strategic Buyer, you will take ownership of sourcing high-value components and specialist engineered services, using your technical knowledge and commercial expertise to secure reliable, compliant, future-proof supply arrangements.
You’ll be the voice of supplier quality and risk management, driving standards, challenging suppliers, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, and safeguarding operations through robust, well-structured contracts.
This role is central to maintaining continuity of supply within a precision manufacturing setting, ensuring every part meets the exacting standards required.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Compliance & Risk – Core Focus
Lead supplier audits, evaluations, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure adherence to ISO / AS9100 and other regulatory or customer standards.
Ensure all supplier contracts meet legal, regulatory and company compliance requirements.
Develop and implement risk-based sourcing strategies, identifying supply chain vulnerabilities and delivering clear mitigation plans.
Monitor supplier KPIs and drive continuous improvement around quality, delivery, and cost performance.
Escalate quality concerns with a structured, proactive approach, safeguarding continuity and reducing operational disruption.
Strategic Procurement
Create and implement category strategies for key materials, components, and services.
Conduct detailed market research to identify new supply opportunities and strengthen the supplier base.
Manage tendering processes, supplier selection and contract award decisions.
Build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers through structured SRM and regular review meetings.
Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality and Finance to align procurement decisions with technical specifications and business goals.
Operational Excellence
Ensure procurement activities reflect best value by balancing cost, quality and delivery.
Support cross-functional collaboration to raise the profile of procurement across the organisation.
Promote ethical business behaviour and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Provide cover for the Sourcing Manager and other senior team members when required.
What You’ll Bring
Proven experience in strategic supplier management and category management.
Strong understanding of contract law, compliance frameworks, and supplier governance.
Technical appreciation, including ability to interpret engineering drawings and quality standards.
Experience within precision, engineering or manufacturing environments (ISO, AS9100, or similar).
Strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills at all business levels.
Resilient, organised and solution-focused, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering or Business (CIPS or equivalent preferred).
Comfortable using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to influence the quality and resilience of a supply chain at the heart of advanced engineering. You’ll enjoy an environment that values technical expertise, encourages strategic thinking and trusts you to make significant, meaningful decisions.
Alongside a competitive salary of circa £50k and an annual bonus of up to 15% of salary, you’ll benefit from:
33 days annual leave
Flexible working hours
Bupa health insurance & health cash plan
Enhanced pension
Life assurance
Ready to strengthen the future of precision manufacturing?
Apply now via Cubed Talent or contact our Jess for a confidential conversation on 012744 599354.