Senior Buyer

Indirect Category Buyer – Logistics and MaterialsLocation: Somerset or Coventry (Hybrid)

Are you ready to take charge of strategic sourcing and procurement in a fast-paced, innovative environment? As the Indirect Category Buyer for Logistics and Materials, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing essential indirect materials and services. From dies and molds to export-import logistics and small tools, your work will directly enhance our company’s efficiency and performance.

What You’ll Do:

• Spearhead indirect purchasing for Capex/Opex goods and services tailored for an OEM.
• Drive end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFI, RFQ, cost comparisons, zero-based costing, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with cross-functional teams—finance, operations, production—and key external partners.
• Assess supplier capabilities, ensuring high-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery to maximise value.
• Execute impactful contracts across categories: dies, molds, consumables, small tools, HSE items, logistics providers (Export-Import, 3PL), employee transportation, canteen services, office/site rentals, and more.
• Stay ahead of market trends, uncovering innovative suppliers and cost-saving alternatives to optimize operations.
• Develop and present cost-reduction strategies and category plans to the Procurement Lead.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain to maintain uninterrupted operations.

What You Bring:

• Proven expertise in indirect sourcing, particularly in OPEX functions for automotive or tech companies, with experience in Greenfield or Brownfield projects.
• Deep knowledge of vendor management, contract finalisation, and legal frameworks.
• Solid project management skills with a knack for balancing priorities and meeting deadlines independently.
• Familiarity with zero-based costing, especially for fabrication items, and a sharp understanding of price trends in key components like pipes, valves, and fittings.
• A commitment to strategic decision-making and strong problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Automobile Engineering would be desirable 
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Ariba.
• CIPS qualification would be advantageous 

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.