Senior Buyer

About the role

This newly created Senior Buyer position supports the Group Supply Chain Manager in overseeing daily purchasing operations. The role is office‑based in Gillingham with a flexible Monday‑Thursday schedule and alternating Friday hours.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day workload for the purchasing team, coordinating Buyers and Purchasing Assistants.
• Assist the Group Supply Chain Manager in developing and executing procurement strategies.
• Collaborate early with cross‑functional teams to understand requirements and deliver procurement solutions.
• Conduct market research, analyse trends, risks and opportunities.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, terms and pricing.
• Use MRP and other tools to forecast demand, track inventory and manage category purchases.
• Evaluate supplier KPIs, conduct performance reviews and ensure contractual compliance.
• Maintain supplier relationships, address performance issues and mitigate risks.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and optimise spend across categories.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, savings, contracts and supplier data.

Required profile

• Proven experience in procurement and logistics on large projects or product manufacturing.
• Competent user of MRP systems.
• Strong communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with MS Excel and Word to manage projects.
• Experience in fabrication, manufacturing or engineering purchasing is advantageous.
• Working knowledge of steel grades is preferred.

Required skills

• MRP systems
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word

What we offer

• 22.5 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Life Insurance – 4 × salary
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Private healthcare