Job Description
Job Title: Senior Buyer
Location: Leatherhead
Contract: 12-Month Contract (Inside IR35)
Job Purpose:
The Senior Buyer will be an integral part of the Vigilant Procurement & Supply Chain team, working closely with the Procurement Manager to establish the necessary procurement mechanics for the project.
Responsibilities:
* Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain team members, as well as cross-functional stakeholders (such as Quality, Project Management, Engineering, and Finance), and suppliers to ensure the timely implementation of Procurement processes. This includes the selection, evaluation, and approval of new suppliers, as well as the reassessment of existing suppliers.
* Apply sound business acumen, external environment analysis, supplier intelligence, and vulnerability assessments to make risk-based recommendations on the suitability of suppliers for the business line.
* Operate within a governance framework, ensuring compliance with EN9100 standards and ensuring that supplier approval decisions can withstand scrutiny during internal and external audits.
* Provide Procurement policy guidance to non-Procurement staff, demonstrating the added value of these processes.
* Implement supplier management and development strategies, taking responsibility for addressing instances of under-performance both internally and externally within the business line.
* Participate in cross-functional site assessments of suppliers, identifying potential risks and improvement opportunities, and follow through on necessary actions.
* Identify, monitor, and support the mitigation of supplier risks and opportunities, such as responsible trading, financial solvency, cyber security, business continuity, and product safety competency.
* Oversee and manage the workload and quality of direct reports, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains accurate and up-to-date.
* Continuously seek opportunities for process improvement, including automation and overall efficiency gains.
Experience Requirements:
Experience:
* Engage senior management or specialist support when necessary, reporting and obtaining final authorisation of new suppliers, and escalating issues as needed.
* Possess in-depth knowledge of how Procurement and Supply Chain departments collaborate with other functions to achieve common goals.
* Thorough understanding of the legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements relevant to Procurement, as well as governance frameworks and business priorities.
* Have knowledge of the UK Defence sector and its supply chain, including recognition of key market players.
* Be familiar with Ministry of Defence (MoD) procurement processes.
* Understand when and how issues should be escalated for broader awareness and input.
* Display active listening, persuasive communication, and influence to foster positive outcomes in supplier relationships.
Technical Skills/Knowledge:
* Adapt approach to ensure decisions optimise business outcomes while considering stakeholder relationships.
* Effectively communicate and influence both immediate team members and wider stakeholders, including external suppliers.
* Handle various scenarios in Procurement and Supply Chain activities, addressing poor performance and difficult individuals when necessary.
* Contribute to group workshops and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Prioritise workload effectively and communicate with stakeholders when needed.
* Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
* Exhibit a proactive problem-solving approach, guiding stakeholders to make informed decisions based on risk/opportunity analysis, business acumen, and total cost of acquisition principles.
* Focus on developing solutions to complex problems, contributing to process improvements and efficiencies.
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