Strategic Buyer

Korn Ferry is delighted to be partnering with LCM, a specialist manufacturer and global supplier operating within a highly technical and internationally connected market. With a reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service, LCM works with suppliers and customers across the globe to deliver critical materials that support a range of industrial applications.

The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role.

As the business continues to grow, they are seeking a Strategic Buyer to join their team and play a key role in developing sourcing strategies, strengthening supplier partnerships, and ensuring the secure supply of critical raw materials.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a globally recognised business at the heart of the rare earth supply chain, where you will directly influence procurement strategy, supplier performance, cost optimisation, and supply chain resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for critical raw materials, ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and quality performance.
• Manage procurement categories and identify opportunities to improve supplier performance, reduce costs, and support business growth.
• Conduct market research and supplier assessments to identify new sourcing opportunities and strengthen the supplier portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with suppliers across international markets.
• Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts, terms and conditions, and supplier agreements.
• Monitor commodity markets, pricing trends, and geopolitical developments that may impact supply availability and cost.
• Partner closely with Operations, Technical, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to align procurement activities with business requirements.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, inventory optimisation, and supply chain risk mitigation activities.
• Maintain procurement data within ERP systems and leverage digital tools to improve reporting, market intelligence, and commercial decision-making.

Skills & Experience Required

• Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or purchasing within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements and manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, category management, supplier development, and sourcing strategy.
• Experience analysing commodity markets, supply chain risks, and total cost of ownership models.
• Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to make data-driven procurement decisions.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems, procurement platforms, and advanced Excel reporting.
• MCIPS qualified or working towards qualification would be advantageous. xwzovoh
• Experience within metals, specialty chemicals, advanced manufacturing, mining, or raw material procurement environments would be highly beneficial.