MRD Recruitment is currently recruiting a Strategic Senior Buyer for one of our manufacturing clients based in East Lothian.

About the Role

I’m currently working with a well-established manufacturing business to recruit an experienced Strategic Senior Buyer to play a key role within their procurement function. This position sits at the heart of the supply chain, combining hands-on buying with strategic supplier and category management.

The Strategic Senior Buyer will be responsible for driving value across key spend categories, supporting long-term sourcing strategies, and ensuring continuity of supply in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced buyer looking to step into a more strategic role with genuine influence over supplier performance, cost optimisation, and procurement best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop strategic supplier relationships across assigned categories
• Lead sourcing activities, including tenders, negotiations, and contract renewals
• Drive cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure on-time availability of materials to support production requirements
• Work closely with engineering, operations, and quality teams on new product introductions and change management
• Analyse spend data to support category strategies and procurement decisions
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks
• Support and contribute to wider procurement strategy and policy development

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a Senior Buyer or Strategic Buyer role within a manufacturing environment
• Strong negotiation skills with experience managing high-value or technically complex suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and value improvements
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
• Commercially minded with strong analytical skills
• Confident stakeholder manager with the ability to influence at all levels
• CIPS or equivalent procurement qualification is desirable

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A strategic role with real influence over sourcing and supplier decisions
• Exposure to senior stakeholders within the business
• Long-term career development within a stable manufacturing organisation