Job Description

Job Purpose

As a Technical Buyer, you will support the procurement of technical components, materials, and services across both tactical (operational) and strategic (long-term value creation) activities. This flexible role provides an opportunity to contribute to the day-to-day continuity of supply while also engaging in supplier development, cost improvement, and engineering alignment initiatives.

Reporting to either the Tactical Procurement Manager or Strategic Procurement Manager (depending on assignment), you will play a key role in ensuring that procurement decisions support business objectives, engineering requirements, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Tactical Procurement

Manage operational procurement activities in SAP, including MRP-based ordering, PO management, and delivery tracking.
Liaise with suppliers to expedite deliveries, resolve short-term issues, and maintain continuity of supply.
Maintain accurate SAP data including material master, lead times, prices, and supplier records.
Resolve MRP exceptions, respond to internal requisitions, and manage urgent material requirements.
Support process improvement and automation within the P2P process

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Strategic Procurement

Develop and implement sourcing strategies for defined categories and technical components.
Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers in alignment with engineering and business needs.
Lead commercial negotiations, establish long-term supply agreements, and manage supplier performance.
Collaborate with engineering on specifications, drawings, and make-vs-buy decisions to optimise sourcing.
Drive value through cost reduction, dual sourcing, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Focus & Collaboration

Interpret and understand engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
Support NPI and project-based procurement through early supplier engagement.
Work cross-functionally with production, planning, engineering, and quality teams to meet business needs.
Monitor procurement KPIs such as OTIF, cost savings, price variance, and PO cycle time.

Decision Making

Exercises independent judgement in selecting suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, and managing supply continuity within defined authority levels.
Makes data-driven purchasing decisions based on engineering requirements, lead time, quality standards, and total cost of ownership.
Escalates significant supplier risks, price variances, or delivery issues to the Procurement Manager with recommendations for resolution.
Supports decision-making in NPI, dual sourcing, and supplier change processes through collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Strategic Procurement.
Prioritises workload based on production demands, MRP signals, and business-critical supply needs.

Communication and Contacts

Internal:

Regular contact with Engineering, Planning, Production, Quality, Stores, and Finance teams to align procurement actions with business needs.
Works closely with Tactical and Strategic Procurement Managers to support purchasing strategy and escalate risks.
Participates in cross-functional meetings related to supplier performance, NPI, and operational planning.

External:

Maintains frequent contact with a wide range of suppliers, including account managers, technical representatives, and logistics contacts.
Leads discussions with suppliers on pricing, availability, technical queries, delivery schedules, and contract terms.
May engage with new or alternative suppliers for RFQs, technical capability assessment, or onboarding.

Financial Responsibility

Accountable for purchasing decisions that directly impact material cost, inventory levels, and working capital performance.
Responsible for achieving cost-saving targets through negotiation, supplier selection, and sourcing strategy.
Ensures all procurement activities are compliant with company financial policies, including PO authorisation limits and audit requirements.
Supports budget control by monitoring spend against forecasts and identifying cost drivers or variances.
Contributes to commercial risk mitigation by ensuring competitive pricing, appropriate payment terms, and total cost of ownership considerations in all sourcing activities.

Qualifications and Experience

3-6 years of experience in a purchasing role within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
Strong understanding of technical components, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, fabrications, castings).
Proficient in SAP (MM or P2P modules) with strong data accuracy and transactional control.
Demonstrated ability to manage both short-term operational tasks and long-term sourcing strategies.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and supplier relationship management skills.
Analytical and organised with a continuous improvement mindset.
CIPS qualification (or actively working towards) is desirable.

Personal Qualities

Proactive and solutions-oriented with strong attention to detail.
Comfortable working under pressure and managing competing priorities.
Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills.
Confident communicator able to engage across multiple business functions.
High level of professionalism and accountability.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based with regular interaction in production, assembly, and warehouse areas (PPE required where appropriate). Regular UK Supplier visits and occasionally European/Global travel.

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In return we offer a competitive salary for the right person based on skills, experience and knowledge. Please let us know your salary expectation.
Permanent
Full time
37 hours per week - Monday to Friday
Annual leave 25 days + 8 Bank holidays
Pension
Life Insurance
Westfield Health
Cycle to work Scheme

If you are passionate about procurement and possess the necessary skills to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. Join us in making a significant impact on our organisation's success through effective purchasing strategies.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Free parking Life insurance On-site parking
Application question(s):

3-6 years of experience in a purchasing role within a manufacturing or engineering environment
Willingness to travel:

25% (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 15/08/2025
Reference ID: HR/PUR/5