Buyer

This Buyer role is based in Poole, Dorset, working Monday to Thursday only, with a January 2027 start. The position is full-time and permanent, offering £42,000 to £47,000 per annum depending on experience. The successful candidate will develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners, and work with the Managing Director to establish, negotiate and renew supplier contracts. Additional duties include supplier performance reviews, supply chain improvement initiatives, supporting sustainability objectives and ensuring compliance throughout the supply chain. Applicants should have a proven track record of managing supplier relationships within a manufacturing, aerospace, defence or engineering environment.

Location: Poole, Dorset - Monday to Thursday only (January 2027 start)
Salary: £42,000 - £47,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Supplier Relationship & Buyer to join our team in Poole, Dorset. This is a key role focused on developing strategic supplier partnerships, improving supplier performance, reducing business risk, and supporting long-term procurement objectives.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will take ownership of supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, performance reviews, and supply chain improvement initiatives. You will also play an important role in supporting sustainability objectives and ensuring compliance throughout the supply chain.

This position would suit an experienced procurement or supply chain professional with a proven track record of managing supplier relationships within a manufacturing, aerospace, defence, or engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners.
• Work with the Managing Director to establish, negotiate, and renew supplier contracts and Long-Term Agreements (LTAs).
• Lead supplier performance reviews, both internally and at supplier sites, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Measure, monitor, and improve supplier performance in collaboration with the Quality team.
• Conduct annual supplier risk assessments and implement corrective actions where required.
• Provide suppliers with long-term demand forecasts to support planning and operational efficiency.
• Maintain and update the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Ensure appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are maintained with suppliers.
• Support carbon reduction initiatives by working with suppliers to measure and reduce Scope 3 emissions.
• Contribute to the company's wider sustainability and carbon reduction strategy.
• Ensure ethics, compliance, and business standards are effectively communicated throughout the supply chain.
• Support the Technical Buyer function when required, including raising RFQs and Purchase Orders during periods of absence.
• Drive initiatives aimed at reducing supplier spend while mitigating supply chain risks.

About You

Essential:

• Previous experience in a similar Supplier Relationship, Procurement, Supply Chain, or Purchasing management role.
• Strong supplier management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier performance.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.

Desirable:

• Experience within the Aerospace, Defence, or highly regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Knowledge of supplier quality and risk management processes.
• Understanding of sustainability initiatives, Scope 3 emissions, and carbon reduction programmes.
• Experience working with Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and procurement best practices.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £42,000 - £47,000 per annum
• Monday to Thursday 7am to 4.45pm (Friday off)
• Opportunity to influence and shape supplier strategy
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Career development opportunities
• Permanent, full-time position based in Poole, Dorset

If you are an experienced supply chain or procurement professional looking to make a real impact within a growing engineering business, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.