Job description
Senior Buyer
Location: Belfast
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Highly Competitive + Excellent Benefits
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Buyer to join a rapidly expanding engineering and technology organisation based in Belfast. This is a senior procurement role within a forward-thinking business developing innovative, high-performance solutions for the global market.
You'll play a key role in driving the procurement function, leading a small team of buyers, and managing strategic sourcing activities to support large-scale manufacturing and assembly operations.
The Role
Reporting to the Strategic Procurement Manager, the Senior Buyer will be responsible for strategic and operational procurement across a range of commodities and suppliers, ensuring delivery of goods and services that meet cost, quality, and schedule targets.
This is an opportunity to shape procurement strategy in a high-growth, engineering-led environment, supporting production readiness, supplier development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement of key mechanical, electrical, and composite parts to support production and engineering projects.
- Manage supplier performance and relationships, driving improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.
- Conduct contract negotiations, prepare agreements, and ensure all procurement activities align with business objectives.
- Implement and develop strategic sourcing strategies to manage key commodity groups and reduce overall spend.
- Support ERP system enhancements and identify opportunities for improved efficiency across the supply chain.
- Manage and mentor a small team of buyers, conducting regular one-to-ones and performance reviews.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, production, and operations teams to ensure procurement activity meets project milestones.
- Contribute to procurement reports, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives within the department.
- Uphold company standards and policies on quality, safety, and ethical sourcing.
About You
Essential:
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) in engineering, manufacturing, business, or supply chain management.
- Strong background in strategic procurement, with experience managing supplier relationships and cost optimisation.
- Demonstrated experience purchasing complex, systems-based products with multiple components or SKUs.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain dynamics.
- Proven ability to lead and develop small teams in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable:
- Membership of CIPS or similar professional body.
- Experience in composite or mechanical engineering procurement.
- Working knowledge of ERP systems and data-driven process improvements.
What's on Offer
- Highly competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Private medical insurance and health cashback plan
- Life insurance (3× salary) and income protection
- Company pension scheme
- Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
- 22 days annual leave plus 13 public/bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Enhanced maternity and sick pay provisions
- Regular social and wellbeing events for staff and families
- Genuine career growth opportunities within a dynamic, innovative organisation
This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled procurement professional to take on a strategic leadership role within an engineering company that's driving forward innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
If this role could be of interest or you would like to have a chat about any other roles available, click apply or reach out to karl.yellop@vanrath.com for a confidential discussion.
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