Senior Buyer

Role Profile

Job Title:?Senior Buyer (Progression to Purchasing Manager)

Reporting To:?Managing Director / Head of Operations

Location: Redditch, Worcestershire

Salary: £45,000-£50,000

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Role Purpose

As Senior Buyer, the job holder will be responsible for managing and developing Thermex's procurement activities across a diverse global supply chain. This is a commercially focused and operationally strategic role with a clear development path into Purchasing / Procurement Manager within 12 months. The role supports the business's ongoing growth and systems transformation, including the implementation of a new ERP system.

Key Responsibilities

Take ownership of direct and indirect purchasing requirements to support production and new product development.

Lead supplier negotiations on cost, delivery, and quality, including international suppliers across China, Germany, Turkey, and Canada.

Develop and maintain the approved vendor list (AVL) and support the implementation of preferred supplier agreements.

Deliver against cost reduction targets

Manage an annual spend of approximately £4-5 million.

Contribute to dual sourcing strategies and mitigate risks associated with single-source suppliers.

Support supplier selection and validation in collaboration with engineering and quality teams.

Play an active role in the implementation and transition to the new Epicor ERP system, standardising purchasing processes and reducing reliance on spreadsheets.

Ensure procurement input into new project development and cross-functional initiatives, including close collaboration with planning, quality, engineering, finance and sales teams.

Maintain compliance with MOD requirements and broader sustainability and supplier risk management goals.

Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for cost-saving, quality improvement, or supply continuity.

Represent the business in international supplier visits as required (China travel anticipated).

Qualification and Skills

Formal Qualifications

Essential

A-levels or equivalent professional experience

CIPS qualification or progress towards (desirable but not essential)

Specific Skills

Essential

Strong background in purchasing/procurement within a manufacturing or engineering environment

Experience of global sourcing and working with international suppliers

Excellent commercial negotiation skills

Strong communication and stakeholder management ability across multiple departments

Good working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Epicor experience advantageous)

High degree of computer literacy including Excel and procurement tools

Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities

Desirable

Exposure to purchasing commodities such as foundry castings, welded components, machined metals, and fabricated assemblies

Experience supporting new ERP implementations

Understanding of compliance and certification within regulated industries (e.g. MOD)

Other Requirements

Willing and able to travel internationally (China and Europe)

Full, clean UK driving licence

Shorter notice period preferred

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

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