Lead Buyer

Scienceabode; Widnes; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing pharmaceutical manufacturer in Widnes is looking for an experienced Lead Buyer to oversee their procurement function. You will lead a small team and be responsible for sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management in a quality-driven environment. Ideal candidates will have a background in FMCG or manufacturing and possess strong leadership and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package along with opportunities for career development and progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development and training

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer, Senior Buyer or Lead Buyer within FMCG or manufacturing industries.
• Strong team-leadership capability and track record of developing people.
• Excellent negotiation, supplier-management and commercial-analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team.
• Manage the end-to-end purchasing process.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers.
• Develop and implement category strategies.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Team leadership

Commercial analysis

Organizational skills

Job description

Lead Buyer – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Widnes | Full‑Time | Competitive Salary + Benefits

About the Company

Join a fast‑growing pharmaceutical manufacturer at the forefront of innovation and quality. Based at our Cheshire facility, we continue to expand our operations and strengthen our supply chain capability to meet increasing global demand. We are now looking for an experienced Lead Buyer to take ownership of our procurement function and drive excellence across our supplier network.

The Role

As Lead Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring resilient, cost‑effective and compliant sourcing across our raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories. You’ll lead and develop a small procurement team, shaping best‑practice processes and cultivating strong supplier relationships to support production and commercial operations.

This role is ideal for a proactive procurement professional with a strong background in FMCG or manufacturing who thrives in a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team, ensuring high performance and clear strategic direction.
• Manage the end‑to‑end purchasing process, including sourcing, negotiation, supplier selection, and contract management.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure continuity, quality, compliance and best value.
• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business goals and manufacturing requirements.
• Drive cost‑saving initiatives, efficiency improvements and risk‑mitigation strategies across the supply base.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain and finance teams to ensure seamless operational execution.
• Monitor market trends, demand forecasts and supply risks to support proactive decision‑making.
• Ensure compliance with all pharmaceutical regulatory standards, quality expectations and audit requirements.

About You

• Proven experience as a Buyer, Senior Buyer or Lead Buyer within FMCG or manufacturing industries.
• Strong team‑leadership capability and track record of developing people.
• Excellent negotiation, supplier‑management and commercial‑analysis skills.
• Experience working in highly regulated or quality‑focused environments (pharma experience beneficial but not essential).
• Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Organised, proactive and driven by continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the procurement function in a growing pharma business.
• Career development, training and long‑term progression.
• A collaborative, supportive environment where your contribution truly matters.