Your role
As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer, your mission is to be accountable for developing and executing a sustainable procurement strategy within their assigned commodity area. This includes establishing and managing long‑term agreements and service‑level commitments, optimising and rationalising the supplier base, and ensuring effective supplier onboarding. A key focus of the role is strengthening supply chain resilience by building diversified, high‑performing supplier networks and proactively mitigating risk. The role drives strong supplier relationships and performance to ensure parts are delivered on time, to specification, and at the lowest sustainable total cost. You will report to the Procurement Manager.
You will
- Develop and execute category strategies for assigned commodities, ensuring alignment with divisional and Product Company objectives.
- Build and maintain an optimal supplier portfolio that supports current operational needs and long‑term strategic goals.
- Establish effective integrated material supply methods along the entire chain through Buffer Stock Agreements (BSA) and Letters of Warranty (LoW).
- Develop and maintain business continuity plans for critical suppliers and critical parts, aligned with divisional strategy.
- Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, ethical, environmental, and corporate governance requirements.
- Secure supplier capacity through proactive planning, capacity assessments, and contractual commitments.
- Identify, lead, and deliver cost‑reduction initiatives across the supply base.
- Collaborate closely with manufacturing to optimise material flow and ensure supply chain efficiency.
- Develop strong working relationships with Engineering, Production, Customer Service, Quality, and other internal stakeholders.
- Facilitate early supplier engagement in technology and product development projects to leverage external expertise.
To succeed, you will need
We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, or Supply Chain
- CIPS qualification Level 4
- Minimum 10 years procurement experience preferably in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- 5 years in a strategic role, or experience in developing category strategies
- Cost analysis and supply market intelligence
- Proficient in reading and understand technical drawings
- Excellent communication skills across all levels of an organisation, both internally and externally with suppliers
In return, we offer
- Culture of trust and accountability
- Lifelong learning and career growth
- Innovation powered by people
- Comprehensive compensation and benefits
- Health and well-being
Job location
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing you to split your time between working remotely and being on-site at our office in Bristol, United Kingdom (GB).
