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