Senior Buyer

About Innospec

Innospec is a global specialty chemicals company focused on bringing innovative new technologies to market combined with a fast and responsive service. We serve a range of industries across the world, bringing our products to customers in markets from oilfields, fuels, refineries and power stations to personal care and performance chemicals. Our global team of approximately 2,450 employees spans 23 countries, applying their extensive experience and market understanding to customers' local needs. Integrating our global footprint with local service capability enables us to supply quality products that meet and anticipate changing market dynamics.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Senior Buyer (Indirect) to join our Purchasing team based in Ellesmere Port.

In this role, you will lead the sourcing, negotiation and contract management of indirect materials and services. Working closely with stakeholders across the business, you will develop effective sourcing strategies, deliver value through supplier partnerships and support operational and capital projects.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of indirect materials and services, ensuring best value, quality and service.
• Manage end-to-end tendering activities, including RFQs, supplier selection, onboarding and contract award.
• Develop strong partnerships with stakeholders to understand business needs and deliver effective sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and manage supplier relationships to deliver cost savings and continuous improvement.
• Monitor supplier spend, performance and contracts, identifying opportunities to reduce costs, mitigate risks and improve service levels.
• Support capital projects and procurement activities through SAP S/4HANA, ensuring compliance with company procedures.
• Drive supplier performance and collaborate with site teams to identify efficiencies and value creation opportunities.
• Mentor and support the development of junior members of the procurement team.

About You

You are an experienced procurement professional with strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills and the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and stakeholders at all levels.

You enjoy working collaboratively, challenging constructively and delivering measurable business value.

You will have:

• Significant experience in indirect procurement within manufacturing, chemical, engineering or other process industry environments.
• A proven track record of supplier negotiations and delivering cost-saving initiatives.
• Strong contract management experience, including supplier performance management and KPI/SLA reviews.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, performance and contracts.
• The ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong commercial awareness and an ability to identify opportunities, manage risk and challenge constructively.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience using ERP systems, ideally SAP S/4HANA, alongside strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel.
• MCIPS qualification, or willingness to work towards qualification with company support.
• Good knowledge of indirect materials and services, MRO experience would be advantageous

What We Offer

In return, we offer a competitive reward package and opportunities for continued professional development, including:

• Up to 10% employee, 15% employer pension contributions
• Annual bonus scheme
• 6x death in service benefit
• Private medical insurance
• 25 days annual leave
• Core working hours of 10am-3pm, with flexibility to work between 7am-6pm
• Access to our full Percipio training library, free of charge, for ongoing learning and development