Strategic Buyer

Location: Poole, Dorset
Hours: Full-time
Salary: Competitive / dependent on experience.
Start Date: 2027.

The Role

First Base Employment is currently recruiting for a Strategic Buyer to join an established engineering and manufacturing environment based in Poole, with a planned start in 2027.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Buyer or Strategic Procurement professional looking to take ownership of supplier relationships, procurement strategies and commercial negotiations. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing supplier partnerships, improving purchasing performance and identifying cost‑saving opportunities.

Key Responsibilities of a Strategic Buyer:

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers.

• Monitoring supplier performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Negotiating long‑term supplier agreements and contracts.

• Managing supplier costs, commercial risks and purchasing strategies.

• Conducting supplier performance reviews and improvement meetings.

• Carrying out supplier risk assessments and maintaining approved supplier records.

• Supporting the wider purchasing function, including raising purchase orders and requests for quotations.

• Working with suppliers to improve sustainability and reduce supply chain emissions.

Key Skills of a Strategic Buyer:

• Previous experience in a Strategic Buyer or similar senior purchasing position.

• Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.

• Experience managing supplier contracts and long‑term agreements.

• Knowledge of procurement strategies and cost reduction.

• Experience monitoring supplier performance and managing supply chain risks.

• Aerospace or defence industry experience would be advantageous.

• Strong commercial awareness and communication skills