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Introduction Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 500 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 22,000 people, with operations on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry mean we are able to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating the threats of tomorrow. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia. Saab is a company that offers our employees plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also recognise the need for a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff have the chance to live a fulfilling life beyond the workplace. Role Overview: The Strategic Buyer plays a crucial role in an electrical assembly manufacturing company operating in the defence industry. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this role is responsible for strategic procurement activities, with a focus on purchasing Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Printed Circuit Assemblies (PCAs), as well as machined and fabricated components. The Strategic Buyer collaborates with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of high-quality materials and components, while also driving supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing initiatives. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Procurement: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for PCBs, PCAs, and machined/fabricated components, considering quality, cost, and delivery requirements. Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting assessments and negotiations to establish favourable terms and agreements. Collaborate with engineering and design teams to support new product development and technology roadmaps through effective sourcing strategies. Stay updated with market trends, industry regulations, and emerging technologies related to PCBs, PCAs, and machining/fabrication. Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and provide feedback to suppliers to ensure adherence to quality, delivery, and cost targets. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, value engineering, and supplier-driven innovation. Resolve any supplier-related issues or disputes, working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve timely resolutions. Cost Management and Negotiation: Conduct cost analysis and market assessments to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate price increases. Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable agreements. Drive cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, alternate sourcing, and process optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as Engineering and Finance, to establish cost targets and monitor cost-saving initiatives. Supply Chain Optimization: Work closely with production planning, inventory management, and logistics teams to ensure material availability and optimize supply chain efficiency. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for lead time reduction, inventory optimization, and supply chain risk mitigation. Implement and maintain effective systems and processes for demand forecasting, materials planning, and supplier performance tracking. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline procurement processes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce cycle times. Required Skills and Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field. Proven experience as a Strategic Buyer or Purchasing professional in the defence industry, with a focus on PCBs, PCAs, and machined/fabricated components. Strong knowledge of the procurement process, strategic sourcing methodologies, and supplier management. Familiarity with defence industry regulations, standards, and quality requirements. Excellent negotiation and communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Analytical mindset with the ability to conduct cost analysis, market assessments, and supplier evaluations. Proficiency in using procurement and ERP systems for sourcing, purchasing, and data analysis. Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results in a fast-paced environment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic sourcing and procurement activities in the defence industry for an electrical assembly manufacturing company. The Strategic Buyer will play a critical role in ensuring the availability of high-quality materials and components, optimizing the supply chain, and driving cost savings initiatives while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Indirect Buyer Brackley £40K - £46K per annum My client is seeking an Indirect Buyer to join the Purchasing department. The Indirect Buyer will be working with various stakeholders across the business to expand the scale and scope of indirect purchasing activities, maximising value for money and ensuring professional process and control of expenditure. Provide guidance and assistance to stakeholders in all aspects of purchasing Ensure that all purchasing is in compliance with the company's policies and procedures Prepare commercial specifications for request for proposals, including (with support on Legal dept.) terms and conditions and evaluation criteria Request competitive quotations and negotiate best value with Suppliers for indirect goods and services Solicit information regarding a variety of purchases by telephone, meetings or written requests ensuring cost effectiveness commensurate with quality Keep apprised of economic / business situations as they affect purchasing strategy; make recommendations to stakeholders to adequately meet those changing conditions Review tenders and purchase award documentation with respect to quality, suitability, delivery and pricing Responsible for awarding contracts and purchase orders with consensus from the respective stakeholders Recommend achievable changes to related company practices; interpret policies and procedures to stakeholders in their need to purchase goods and services Analyse current procurement activities and recommend improvement through more efficient procurement methods, quantity discounts, standardization, value analysis and cooperative purchasing Prepare and maintain accurate records and documentation on all request for quotes, responses, purchases, contracts, correspondence and related follow up Meet with stakeholders and suppliers to discuss the purchase of goods or services and determine best value Proactively liaise between suppliers and stakeholders to resolve purchasing supply issues, ensuring an accurate and timely provision of information and supply Expedite outstanding purchase orders to ensure delivery requirements are met Manage supplier performance to ensure cost, quality, delivery expectations are achieved and maintained Evaluate and monitor contracts to be sure that suppliers comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and to determine the need for relevant contract changes Coordinate and resolve contractual problems/queries with stakeholders and suppliers Assist in resolving Accounts Payable invoice discrepancies and variances Accurately maintain the purchasing databases to a high standard Perform other related duties such as special assignments and annual major objectives as required The ideal candidate will: Ideally have a minimum of 3 years' experience within Indirect purchasing Have strong stakeholder management skills Ideally have previous knowledge of utilising SAP Be committed, motivated and self-disciplined in their work Be flexible in working hours and approach Be able to work on their own initiative, with minimal supervision Working hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm In return our client offers a fantastic working environment, parking on site, 25 days holiday, bonus, life assurance, pension and private medical cover.