We are currently recruiting for our automotive client for a Strategic Senior Buyer to join the growing team within directs such as electrical, metal, plastics a like. These are strategic positions where you will take full ownership for your assigned commodity areas and manage a small team, you will be required to, identify cost optimisation opportunities and take a commercial outlook for your category under control.

You will need to have gained a solid purchasing background within a manufacturing, automotive or related environment and thrive in a strategic role and have proven people management expertise. These opportunities offer a great setting to continue your development with great learning and progression opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commodity Strategy Development: Maintain and develop strategies for specific commodities, staying up to date on market developments and potential suppliers
• Team Leadership - Manage, mentor, develop and coach a small team of buyers
• Cost Analysis & Savings: Evaluate cost data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and positively impact procurement performance.
• Negotiations: Confidently negotiate total costs and contracts with current and potential suppliers.
• Value for Money: Apply tools and techniques to close cost gaps while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Supplier Performance: Manage supplier performance and development activities
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Quality Support: Support the quality department in achieving full Quality Approval.
• Process Improvement: Strive for internal and supplier process improvement, focusing on business 'Best Practice' initiatives.
• Risk Management: Identify supplier risks and develop robust mitigation strategies.
• Supplier Relationships: Lead and promote strong supplier relationships.
• Business Objectives: Play an instrumental role in achieving business objectives, meeting, or exceeding defined goals.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience: Previous procurement experience in a strategic procurement function or have the ability to take this step and deliver in this setting is essential
• Strategic Understanding: Knowledge of the strategic role of procurement and ability to work at this level.
• Expertise with supplier development and evaluation
• Proven people management expertise
• Skills: Effective time management, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Driving License: Must hold a full driving license and be prepared to travel as required.

Our client offers hybrid working, early finish on a Friday as well as comprehensive benefits alongside a highly competitive package.