Senior Strategic Buyer - Supplier Compliance

Cubed Talent are proud to be recruiting an exceptional Procurement Manager to join a market-leading engineering and machine tool manufacturer. This is a high-impact leadership role where technical procurement, supplier strategy, and people development come together to support complex, precision-led manufacturing operations. If you’re a proactive, technically fluent procurement leader who thrives in high-spec engineering environments, and you’re ready to shape a capable, modern and professional procurement function, this role offers the ideal platform. The Opportunity As Procurement Manager, you will drive sourcing strategy across precision mechanical, electrical, software and automation components, working with cutting-edge technologies and advanced manufacturing suppliers. You’ll act as the key interface between Procurement, Engineering, R&D and Production, ensuring supply solutions align with product development and long-term operational goals. Alongside your strategic remit, you’ll lead and develop a team of Senior Buyers, Buyers and Purchasing Administrators, embedding best practice, developing capability and ensuring operational excellence across multi-site operations. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Category Leadership Develop and execute sourcing strategies for precision-engineered mechanical, electrical and software-integrated components. Identify, assess, and onboard suppliers with advanced capabilities such as CNC machining, robotics, automation systems, and high-spec fabrication. Drive category strategies that support innovation, cost optimisation, and long-term supply resilience. Supplier Management, Negotiation & Compliance Lead complex negotiations with global suppliers, securing competitive pricing and quality assurance for high-value engineered components. Manage supplier risk, compliance and sustainability across an international supply base. Conduct supplier audits, performance reviews, and development initiatives to strengthen quality and continuity of supply. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering, R&D and Production teams to ensure procurement aligns with product lifecycle, new product development and technical requirements. Support design-for-purchase considerations during early product development. Act as a trusted advisor, translating technical needs into robust sourcing strategies. Cost & Risk Management Lead cost-reduction initiatives through value engineering, strategic negotiations and supplier-led innovation. Monitor global market trends, emerging technologies and geopolitical risks to inform sourcing strategy. Build proactive mitigation plans to protect supply continuity and commercial stability. Systems, Process & Digital Optimisation Enhance procurement workflows through ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle), PLM and e-sourcing tools. Ensure all procurement processes are efficient, compliant, transparent and aligned with internal governance and external regulations. Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor and develop a team of Senior Buyers, Buyers and Purchasing Administrators. Set clear objectives, monitor performance and build a culture of continuous improvement. Foster collaboration across procurement and wider business functions. What You’ll Bring Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or related discipline (CIPS preferred). 5+ years’ experience in procurement within advanced or high-tech manufacturing. Proven success sourcing precision-engineered components and managing complex supplier contracts. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tolerances and quality standards (ISO etc.). Experience of global sourcing, supplier audits and contract law. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and modern procurement tools. Skills & Personal Attributes Strategically minded with strong technical fluency. Excellent negotiation, influencing and conflict-resolution skills. Effective stakeholder engagement across engineering, operations and finance. Commercially astute with robust risk management capability. Strong leadership skills with a passion for developing people and teams. Ambitious, driven, and skilled at achieving challenging targets. Why Join? This role offers the chance to lead procurement at the heart of a technically demanding, innovation-driven engineering environment. You’ll shape supply strategies, influence new technologies, and develop a high-performing team—while enjoying a strong reward package: £65k salary + up to 15% bonus 33 days annual leave Flexible working hours Bupa health insurance & health cash plan Enhanced pension Life assurance Ready to lead procurement in a business where engineering excellence starts with you? Apply today with a full CV or contact Jess Heywood for a confidential initial chat on 01274 599354.

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.

Cubed Talent are delighted to partner with a world-class engineering and machine tool manufacturer to recruit a Senior Strategic Buyer who will be instrumental in driving engineering procurement and supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, supply chain and product development, ideal for a technically minded procurement professional who enjoys working with complex components, tight tolerances and innovative product lifecycles. The Opportunity As Senior Strategic Buyer, you’ll take ownership of sourcing precision-engineered components and specialist services that enable the design and build of cutting-edge machine tools. You’ll work closely with Engineering during early design stages, influence supplier selection for new products and ensure components meet stringent technical and quality requirements. Your work will directly impact manufacturability, cost, lead times and future supply chain robustness for new product designs. This is a role where engineering understanding, commercial acumen and project influence all come together. Key Responsibilities Engineering Procurement – Core Focus Collaborate closely with Design and Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, drawings and specifications. Convert engineering needs into commercially sound sourcing strategies for complex, precision-engineered components. Ensure suppliers can support special processes, tight tolerances, advanced materials and quality-critical manufacturing. Support the development of costed BOMs, challenging cost drivers and identifying value engineering opportunities. New Product Introduction (NPI) Act as procurement lead during early NPI and design phases, advising on sourcing feasibility, risk, cost and manufacturability. Identify and onboard new suppliers to support emerging technologies, specialist capabilities and future product pipeline. Coordinate with engineering and quality teams to ensure new suppliers meet required regulatory and quality standards (ISO, AS9100 etc.). Support prototype builds, ensuring materials and components are sourced on time and to specification. Input into design-for-purchase, helping shape designs that optimise lead time, cost and supply chain resilience. Strategic & Operational Procurement Develop and implement category strategies aligned with engineering requirements. Lead tendering, supplier selection and contract negotiation. Manage supplier relationships through structured SRM, reviews and site visits. Conduct market research to uncover new technologies, innovations and supply options. Ensure all supplier contracts meet legal, regulatory and company compliance requirements. Monitor supplier performance and apply KPI data to drive improvement and development. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work with Engineering, Quality, Production and Finance teams to ensure procurement aligns with business objectives. Promote sourcing best practice across the organisation and raise awareness of procurement’s role within the NPI process. Uphold ethical procurement practices and maintain the highest standards of business integrity. What You’ll Bring Strong engineering buying experience in a manufacturing or precision engineering environment. Proven involvement in NPI or early product development cycles. Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and quality standards. Solid understanding of strategic sourcing, supplier development and cost analysis. Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Excellent negotiation, communication and influencing skills. Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business or a related field (CIPS desirable). Commercially astute, organised and proactive, with a strong problem-solving mindset. Why Join? This is a brilliant opportunity to play a key role in the creation of next-generation engineered products, shaping sourcing decisions that influence innovation, quality and long-term performance. Alongside a competitive salary of c £50k and an annual bonus of up to 15% of salary, the role offers: 33 days annual leave Flexible working hours Bupa health insurance & health cash plan Enhanced pension Life assurance Be part of a team where engineering excellence starts with exceptional procurement. Apply now via Cubed Talent or contact Jess for a confidential discussion on 01274 599354.

Are you a Supply Chain professional with a passion for digital transformation and operational excellence? Our client is embarking on a major SAP programme and is seeking a Supply Chain SAP Implementation Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping how their complex global operations run for years to come. Our client is a long-established leader in British engineering and manufacturing, with a rich heritage in precision engineering and a strong focus on environmental progress. In this high-impact position, you will own the end-to-end implementation of SAP across the supply chain, acting as the key link between business stakeholders and the SAP programme team. You’ll ensure that processes are correctly mapped, optimised, and embedded within SAP, with deep involvement across MM, PP, SD, WM, and PS modules. What You’ll Be Doing Materials Management (MM) Defining and configuring procurement processes including POs, PRs, vendor master data and sourcing. Integrating supplier evaluation and material master governance. Aligning indirect and direct procurement workflows to SAP MM best practice. Production Planning (PP) Partnering with engineering and manufacturing to shape BOM structures, routings and work centres. Configuring MRP parameters for both MTO and MTS environments. Supporting capacity planning and shop-floor execution. Sales & Distribution (SD) Aligning demand planning and fulfilment processes with SAP SD. Configuring customer master data, pricing, and delivery scheduling. Ensuring seamless integration between sales orders and production. Warehouse Management (WM) Defining warehouse structures and storage strategies. Configuring goods movements, stock transfers, and inventory controls. Supporting automation initiatives, including barcode scanning. Project System (PS) Defining project structures, WBS elements, and network activities. Integrating project planning with procurement, production, and finance. Supporting project budgeting, costing, and milestone billing. General Responsibilities Leading supply chain workstreams, ensuring timely delivery of programme milestones. Translating business needs into SAP functional specifications and supporting configuration. Overseeing data migration and master data governance. Leading UAT, training, and go-live readiness activities. Driving continuous improvement post-implementation. What We’re Looking For Technically fluent in SAP and supply chain processes. Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. High attention to detail with a data-driven mindset. Confident in change management and training delivery. Able to thrive in fast-paced, global, project-led environments. Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering or related discipline (Master’s / SAP certification desirable). 7+ years’ supply chain experience, including 3+ years in SAP implementation -ideally S/4HANA. Proven hands-on experience with MM, PP, SD, WM, and PS modules. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and planning systems. A track record of success in ERP transformation within high-tech or precision engineering. What's on offer? Our client are offering a competitive salary circa £60,000 plus benefits including: Bonus of up to 15% of salary annually 33 days leave Flexible working policy  BUPA health Health cash plan Enhanced pension Life assurance scheme Please apply with your full CV or contact Jess at Cubed Talent on 01274 599354 for further details.