Strategic Sourcing Buyer

Your role

As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer, reporting to the Procurement Manager. This role is a commercially driven Category Manager within Manufacturing, responsible for owning and evolving sourcing strategy across a complex, engineered supply base through end‑to‑end strategic sourcing. It delivers long-term value by shaping the supplier landscape, leveraging technical and market insight, and executing multi-year category strategies that optimise cost, capability, innovation, and resilience.  

You will take full ownership of a manufacturing category, leading strategic sourcing activity from opportunity identification through to supplier selection, negotiation, and long-term supplier development. Working at the intersection of procurement, engineering, and operations.

You will – 

• Own and evolve end-to-end category strategies aligned to business and manufacturing objectives 
• Define and deliver multi-year sourcing strategies based on demand, technology, and market dynamics 
• Lead strategic sourcing activity end-to-end, including market analysis, supplier identification, RFx processes, and negotiations 
• Apply structured methodologies (e.g. should-cost modelling, total cost of ownership, benchmarking) 
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to inform sourcing decisions  
• Segment and position suppliers based on capability, risk, and strategic importance 
• Build and execute supplier development roadmaps to enhance performance, capability, and innovation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, quality, and finance

To succeed, you will need

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)  
• Professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS or equivalent) strongly preferred 
• Proven experience in a strategic sourcing or category management role within a manufacturing or engineered environment  
• Demonstrated ownership of category strategy development and execution, delivering measurable commercial outcomes  
• Experience sourcing engineered products or components (e.g. machining, fabrication, castings, plastics or similar)  
• Deep understanding of strategic sourcing and procurement best practices, including category strategy development, total cost of ownership (TCO), should-cost modelling, and supply market analysis  
• Strong capability in cost analysis and supply market intelligence, translating data into actionable sourcing strategies  

In return, we offer

• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well-being

Job location

This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing you to split your time between working remotely and being on-site at our office in Bristol, United Kingdom (GB).