Project Buyer

Location:

Bournemouth, Dorset

We are seeking a proactive and commercially focused Project Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in Bournemouth. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of strategic sourcing activities, supplier development, project procurement and cost optimisation initiatives while working closely with Engineering, Quality and Operations teams. As a Project Buyer, you will be responsible for integrating procurement strategies into new product development projects, ensuring robust supplier solutions are in place from concept through to serial production.

You will also drive supplier performance, cost reduction programmes and procurement best practices to support long-term business objectives.

• Represent Purchasing throughout development projects, ensuring procurement readiness for successful product launches.
• Integrate sourcing and commodity strategies into project activities.
• Manage procurement of materials and components during project phases, ensuring availability, cost targets and delivery timelines are achieved.
• Work closely with suppliers, Engineering, Development and Supplier Quality teams to ensure manufacturability of new components.
• Obtain supplier quotations, lead commercial negotiations and establish supplier agreements.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Programme Management teams to ensure alignment on procurement decisions.
• Maintain accurate procurement and project data within business systems.
• Prepare structured project handover documentation for Operational Purchasing teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency and project execution.
• Participate in supplier qualification, auditing and part approval activities.
• Conduct supplier visits to assess capability, performance and development opportunities.

• Conduct supplier market analysis and identify new sourcing opportunities.
• Evaluate, qualify and develop suppliers across parts, assemblies and finished products.
• Lead supplier selection activities in collaboration with Quality and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Maintain approved supplier lists and ensure supplier risk mitigation strategies are in place.
• Drive supplier performance improvements across quality, delivery, cost and compliance metrics.
• Build strong supplier relationships to support long‑term business growth and operational success.

• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, terms and conditions, NDAs and compliance agreements.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and continuous improvement programmes.
• Conduct benchmarking activities against market trends and industry competitors.
• Monitor procurement budgets and deliver performance against key objectives.
• Establish and achieve procurement KPIs aligned with business goals.

• Provable Minimum 3 years' experience in a Strategic Buyer, Project Buyer or Senior Buyer role.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in supplier management and supplier development.
• Excellent understanding of procurement processes, sourcing strategies and contract management.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in market research and data analysis.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement qualification.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation abilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on delivering measurable results.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging technologies.
• Experience in stock profiling and demand forecasting.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% as required.

The successful candidate will be a driven procurement professional with a strategic mindset and a passion for supplier excellence. They will thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and enjoy working collaboratively across multiple departments to deliver innovative sourcing solutions and business improvements.