Lead Buyer

Lead Buyer

Location: Redditch (On-site)
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm (some flexibility on hours)
Job Type: Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a large international engineering and manufacturing business as a Lead Buyer. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced sourcing or purchasing professional to take ownership of a specialist subcontract machining supply chain, supporting major contractual customer accounts within regulated industries.

This role offers genuine career progression within a global organisation alongside an excellent benefits package.

The Role

You will be responsible for managing the subcontract machining supply chain, ensuring cost-effective sourcing, supplier performance, quality, and continuity of supply for large customer contracts.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the subcontract machining supplier base for key customer programmes.
• Preparing and managing RFQs, evaluating supplier quotations and supporting tender submissions.
• Identifying cost reduction opportunities through global sourcing, alternative suppliers and material selection.
• Working closely with Sales, Quality and Operations to support new product introductions and customer projects.
• Developing and maintaining strong supplier relationships whilst negotiating commercial agreements.
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks including capacity constraints, single-source dependencies and raw material volatility.
• Supporting customer and certification audits, including ISO 9001 and EN 9120.
• Managing supplier performance and contributing to sustainability initiatives.
• Working with both UK and international suppliers to deliver sourcing projects.
• Reading and interpreting technical engineering drawings and specifications.

About You

We're looking for an experienced sourcing or purchasing professional who has worked within a manufacturing or engineering environment.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience managing subcontract machining or engineering supply chains.
• Strong commercial awareness and excellent negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and engineering components.
• Experience within a regulated industry such as aerospace, defence, automotive or oil & gas.
• An understanding of MOD and aerospace specifications.
• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

What's on Offer

• Salary of £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience.
• Private healthcare.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression within a large international business.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Life insurance.
• Death in service cover.
• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Long-term career development and training opportunities.