Senior Buyer (Engineering / Manufacturing)

Job Description:

Senior Buyer (Engineering / Manufacturing)

£45,000 - £48,000 + Development + Potential for Progression + 33 Days Holiday + Health & Wellbeing Benefits

Derby

Certain Advantage is hiring for a Senior Buyer, based near Derby. This role is on a permanent basis and is fully site-based.

Are you a Buyer, with experience working in an engineering / manufacturing environment, looking to step into a key role, which has arisen due to ongoing growth, with a high degree of autonomy?

Do you have a strong background in procurement, looking to step into a dynamic role, where you’ll play a key role in driving cost savings, improving supplier performance, and supporting critical operational delivery within a fast-paced, project-led environment?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established, rapidly growing manufacturing business, where you’ll play a critical role in coordinating production activities, supporting teams on the ground, and driving operational standards.

The Company:
We are working with a well-established rail engineering business based in Derby, supporting rolling stock modification, refurbishment, and maintenance programmes across the UK. The business is continuing to grow, with a strong pipeline of work and a focus on operational excellence.

The Role:
This role is for a Senior Buyer, reporting to the Purchasing Manager, with responsibility for sourcing and managing materials and services across engineering and manufacturing categories.
You will play a key role in ensuring materials are delivered on time and in full, while driving cost efficiencies and building strong supplier relationships.

Day to Day:

• Procure direct and indirect materials and services, with a focus on engineering and manufacturing categories
• Engage early with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure optimal sourcing decisions
• Lead supplier negotiations and develop cost-saving strategies
• Build and manage long-term supplier relationships, improving performance and reliability
• Ensure materials are delivered on time and in full to meet operational and project requirements
• Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve material issues
• Manage inventory levels, reduce obsolete stock, and define safety stock strategies
• Deliver against key KPIs including cost, quality, service, and cash
• Manage and reduce invoice queries
• Support wider business projects and ad hoc procurement activities as required

The Individual:

• Extensive procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Proven track record of negotiating and delivering cost savings
• Experience managing key supplier relationships
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and inventory management
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build internal relationships
• Able to work under pressure and solve problems proactively

Qualifications:

• Degree qualified (or equivalent experience)
• CIPS Level 3 or 4
• Full UK driving licence

Benefits:

• Employee Electric Car Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Annual Salary Reviews & Pension Contributions
• Monthly Rewards & Recognition
• Long Service Awards & Gift Vouchers
• 33 Days Holiday (increasing with service)
• Company Socials
• Career Development & Sponsored Training
• Free Eye Tests & Specsavers Vouchers
• Holiday Trading Scheme
• Employee Discount Platform (Retail, Gyms, Tech, Travel)
• Employee Assistance Programme

Does this sound like your next career move? Apply today.

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