Category Buyer

Category Buyer

West London

We are seeking an experienced Category Buyer to join an established Procurement team within a manufacturing environment. This is a key role for a commercially driven procurement professional with strong expertise in mechanical or engineered components, responsible for category strategy, supplier development, cost optimisation and sourcing across a global supply base. The role will also play a significant part in NPI programmes, working closely with Engineering, Quality and Project teams.

• Develop and deliver category strategies across mechanical/engineered components, building a competitive, resilient and capable global supplier base.
• Lead commercial negotiations, supplier selection and contract management, delivering cost savings and improved total cost of ownership.
• Lead sourcing activity for NPI projects, working with Engineering, Quality and Project teams to ensure cost, quality and supply requirements are achieved.
• Manage and develop supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery and responsiveness, driving continuous improvement.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through initiatives including dual sourcing, supplier development and strategic supply agreements.

• 10+ years' procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment, with proven mechanical or engineered parts sourcing expertise.
• Experienced in developing category or commodity strategies.
• Proven international sourcing, supplier development and complex commercial negotiation experience.
• Experience supporting NPI or product development within a cross-functional Engineering, Quality and Project environment.
• Strong commercial, analytical and stakeholder management skills, with a proactive and hands-on approach. Degree qualified or CIPS qualified/working towards CIPS would be advantageous.

All applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK as our client will not support visa sponsorship for this role.