Buyer, Contract Specialist Gloucester Defence Manufacturing On-site role, will require Security Clearance   Competitive salary plus a good benefits package As a company experiencing rapid growth and fresh contract wins, they are expanding their procurement team to drive success even further! If you're passionate about sourcing top-quality materials, negotiating the best deals through excellent contract management, and building strategic supplier relationships, this could be your next exciting challenge. Join this vibrant and skilled procurement function and help shape the future of their supply chain! The Role: As a Buyer, you’ll be at the heart of operations—working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your expertise in contractual procurement will directly contribute to the success of projects. This isn’t just about placing orders—it’s about being a strategic player, driving cost efficiencies, maintaining the highest quality standards, and building long-term supplier partnerships, and having a deep understanding of contracts within supplier negotiation and selection. What You’ll Do: Here’s a taste of what your day-to-day will look like: Procurement Mastery: Source, negotiate, and procure a diverse range of materials, components, and services to keep our operations running smoothly. Partner with the estimating team to secure the most competitive quotes and optimize project costs. Build and nurture strong relationships with suppliers to guarantee timely delivery of high-quality materials. Stay ahead of the game by monitoring market trends and spotting potential risks or opportunities in the supply chain. Strong understanding of procurement contracts. Drive Cost Efficiency: Negotiate favourable terms and contracts with suppliers to unlock significant cost savings. Conduct regular cost analyses to uncover new ways to save and improve margins. Supplier Excellence: Evaluate and choose suppliers based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring only the best for our business. Lead performance reviews and manage supplier relationships to ensure full compliance with our high standards. Continuous Improvement: Play a key role in streamlining and improving procurement processes to boost efficiency across the board. Leverage the MRP system to manage, track, and refine purchasing activities. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with production, technical, quality, and finance teams to ensure procurement strategies align with the company’s goals. Get involved in exciting new product development projects, sourcing and qualifying materials and suppliers to fuel innovation. Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all procurement activities are above board, adhering to both company policies and regulatory standards. Keep meticulous records of purchases, contracts, and communications—because precision matters. Other Duties: Embrace other opportunities as they arise in this ever-evolving role, supporting the broader needs of the business. What You’ll Bring: We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and brings: 3-5 years of experience in procurement, ideally within a manufacturing setting. A proven track record of successful procurement management in a dynamic, rapidly growing company. Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to strike the perfect balance between quality and cost. Stellar organizational and time-management abilities—juggling multiple priorities with ease. Exceptional understanding and experience of contract management Proficiency in MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite. A sharp, analytical mindset with the ability to conduct cost analyses and market research. Exceptional attention to detail and the drive to deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines. A proactive attitude, excellent problem-solving skills, and the confidence to make decisions independently. Why Join Us? This is more than just a purchasing role—it’s a chance to make a real impact in a company that values innovation, teamwork, and growth. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy opportunities to further develop your skills, take on exciting new challenges, and play a pivotal role in shaping our success story. Ready to make a difference? Apply now and take the next step in your career with us! Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency. In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included