Strategic Buyer – Marine Applications

About the role

The Strategic Buyer will act as the primary link between suppliers and internal engineering teams for a fast‑growing marine‑technology business. You will ensure that design and procurement are aligned to deliver technically compliant, manufacturable and cost‑effective solutions for defence and maritime programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with Engineering to identify and qualify suppliers during New Product Introduction, ensuring compliance with drawings, specifications and programme requirements.
• Lead component and supplier sourcing, managing RFQs and EOIs while interpreting technical requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to internal stakeholders and suppliers to align with manufacturing capabilities, quality standards and programme objectives.
• Promote Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles to achieve efficient, cost‑effective sourcing.
• Expedite open purchase orders, maintain delivery schedules in the LN ERP system and create purchase orders.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers, delivering regular progress updates.
• Identify, manage and mitigate supply‑chain risks to minimise programme disruption.

Required profile

• Proven experience in strategic procurement within a technical or engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of marine or defence product development cycles.
• Ability to work closely with cross‑functional teams including Stores, Operations and Quality.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to risk management.

Required skills

• Experience using LN ERP for purchase order management.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles.
• Competence in handling RFQs, EOIs and supplier qualification processes.

What we offer

• Contract role outside IR35 for 9‑12 months, full‑time.
• Competitive hourly rate.
• Opportunity to work on innovative marine applications within a rapidly growing company.