Senior Buyer

Job Title : Senior Buyer Location : Christchurch (On-site: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Contract Type : Inside IR35 Duration : Until 31st August 2025 (with potential for extension) Rate : PAYE: £50 per hour (excluding holiday pay, NI, and pension) Umbrella: £70 per hour Working Hours : 37 hours per week (7.4 hours per day) Clearance Requirements : SC clearance is highly desirable. Candidates must be UK Nationals and British-born due to project requirements. Candidates can start on BPSS clearance if SC clearance is not already in place. Job Purpose The Senior Buyer will be a key member of the Procurement and Supply Chain team, supporting the Procurement Manager in establishing robust procurement processes and ensuring compliance with project requirements. Responsibilities Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Quality, Project Management, Engineering, Finance) and suppliers to implement procurement processes for supplier selection, evaluation, and approval. Conduct risk-based assessments of suppliers using external environment analysis, business acumen, and supplier intelligence. Operate within the governance framework and ensure compliance with EN9100 standards to meet audit requirements. Provide guidance on procurement policies to non-procurement staff, demonstrating the value of these processes. Implement supplier management techniques and address under-performance issues with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Participate in supplier site assessments to identify risks, opportunities for improvement, and follow-up actions. Identify and mitigate supplier risks, including financial stability, cyber security, business continuity, and product safety. Manage and oversee direct reports, ensuring the accuracy and quality of their work. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process automation and efficiency enhancements. Experience Requirements Experience Strong understanding of Procurement and Supply Chain coordination with other functions to achieve shared goals. In-depth knowledge of legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements related to procurement. Familiarity with the UK Defence Sector, including key market players and the MoD procurement process. Skilled in identifying when to escalate issues and engaging senior management for approvals or guidance. Proven ability to address performance issues and influence positive outcomes in challenging scenarios. Technical Skills/Knowledge Ability to adapt and balance business outcomes with stakeholder relationships. Strong communication and influencing skills, both within the team and with external suppliers. Comfortable addressing poor performance and managing difficult situations. Proactive problem-solving approach with a focus on risk and opportunity analysis. Experience in continuous improvement initiatives and developing solutions to complex challenges. Detail-oriented with excellent accuracy in handling procurement activities. Candidate Requirements Knowledge of procurement and supply chain processes within the defence and electronic industries. SC clearance is highly desirable but not essential (BPSS acceptable initially). Must be UK National and British-born to meet project requirements.

Location: Christchurch, GB

Posted Date: 1/30/2025