Strategic Indirect Buyer (Engineering)

TL;DR

Strategic Indirect Buyer (Procurement): Developing and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories with an accent on cost savings, supplier performance, and commercial value. Focus on managing end-to-end sourcing activities, negotiating service contracts, and optimizing indirect expenditure in an engineering environment.

Location: Onsite in Newcastle, UK

Salary: £45,000–£52,000

Company

An established engineering organisation specializing in high-value technical solutions.

What you will do

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for indirect spend categories across the site.
• Analyze company-wide indirect expenditure to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies.
• Manage end-to-end sourcing activities, including tendering, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award.
• Negotiate pricing, service levels, and contract terms to leverage group purchasing power.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs and SLAs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement with operational and future business needs.

Requirements

• Previous experience in indirect procurement or strategic sourcing within manufacturing or engineering environments.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Experience negotiating service contracts, leasing agreements, and operational support contracts.
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
• Competency in spend analysis, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Must be based in or be able to commute to Newcastle.

Nice to have

• Experience within the defence sector.
• CIPS qualification or currently working towards it.
• Familiarity with ERP procurement systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive bonus scheme and pension matched up to 8%.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Free lunches and free parking provided.
• Balanced working hours: Mon-Thu 08:30-16:30 and Fri 08:30-14:00.