Strategic Buyer
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced buyer to join our team This is a newly created role on the back of continued growth in the business.
As Strategic Buyer, you'll play a key role in supporting procurement and subcontracting activities across defence and security programmes. Working closely with Programme Managers, Technical Leads and project teams, you'll ensure sourcing and supplier activity is delivered effectively, compliantly, and in alignment with project goals.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially aware individual who enjoys working in a complex, project-driven environment and is keen to contribute to high-profile programmes.
You'll be responsible for
- Managing end-to-end procurement activity — from initial requirement through to contract award
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand project needs and develop procurement plans
- Leading tender processes, supplier sourcing, evaluation and contract negotiations
- Supporting key commercial decisions including make-buy, buy-rent-reuse and disposal strategies
- Managing supplier relationships, performance and contract delivery throughout the lifecycle
- Ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, governance frameworks and defence requirements
- Identifying and managing commercial, contractual and supplier-related risks
- Maintaining robust procurement documentation, records and audit trails
- Supporting category and sourcing strategies with market insight and spend analysis
- Promoting best practice procurement processes across the organisation
We're looking for somebody with
- Proven experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or commercial roles
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, contract management and supplier relationships
- Experience managing tenders, quotations and subcontracting in a structured environment
- Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to manage risk effectively
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Confident negotiator, able to influence pricing, quality and contractual outcomes
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and record-keeping accuracy
- Experience using ERP, procurement or contract management systems
Desirable experience includes
- Experience in defence, aerospace, manufacturing or regulated industries
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Experience in R&D or publicly funded project environments
What to expect next
Following application review, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a two-stage interview process, which may include a practical or commercial assessment.
Due to the nature of our work, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and security clearance checks.
About The MTC
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe.
The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies.
Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness.
Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future.
The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.
Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable)
Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.
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