Strategic Buyer

About the Role

Join Woods Air Movement in Colchester, Essex, as a Strategic Buyer, where you will play an essential role in shaping sustainable air technology solutions used globally. This position, reporting to the Head of Sourcing in the Sourcing department, focuses on enhancing business growth, managing costs, and supporting innovation through strategic sourcing and supplier management.

Key Responsibilities

• Devise and implement procurement strategies across a broad range of categories including electrical goods, raw materials, machined parts, packaging, fasteners, surface treatments, and miscellaneous indirect expenditures.
• Identify, negotiate with, and oversee primary suppliers to achieve cost efficiency and align with strategic business goals.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Product Management, and Operations teams to foster innovation and fulfill business targets.
• Keep abreast of market developments, risks, and new technologies affecting sourcing decisions.
• Ensure adherence to purchasing policies and procedures throughout sourcing activities.
• Lead supplier evaluations and promote ongoing improvements in supplier performance.
• Maintain comprehensive market intelligence and explore alternative supply sources.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a graduate or postgraduate degree with a mandatory CIPS qualification.
• Have three to five years of experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost optimisation within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Exhibit strong analytical thinking, negotiation prowess, and effective communication.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience collaborating with international suppliers and multidisciplinary teams is required.
• Organised, proactive, and willing to travel as necessary.

Company Culture

At Woods Air Movement, the workplace ethos is centered on ambition, innovation, and collaboration. We pursue challenging targets, embrace change and creativity, and empower our employees to take initiative. We prioritize integrity and accountability and promote a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone can flourish.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays
• Contributory pension scheme at 4%
• Life insurance coverage
• Company-paid sick leave
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Early finish on Fridays
• Cycle to Work initiative
• Optional participation in Sports & Social Club
• Recognition through long service awards
• Free parking facilities
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health support
• Opportunities for professional growth and learning

Additional Information

Woods Air Movement is an equal opportunities employer that evaluates candidates solely on their qualifications and experience. The role requires candidates to have the legal right to work in the UK as sponsorship is currently unavailable. Agencies should not apply on behalf of candidates.