The Role:
We're recruiting an Engineering Buyer on behalf of a market-leading manufacturer of food processing equipment, based on the Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire border. This is a permanent, full-time position offering the chance to play a key role within a fast-paced, innovative engineering environment, at a business experiencing continued growth.
In this role, you'll be responsible for sourcing, negotiating and purchasing technical materials, engineered components and services to support production and engineering projects. Working closely with engineering, production and quality teams, you'll ensure cost-effective procurement without compromising on quality, compliance or delivery timescales. If you're commercially sharp, technically minded and enjoy a role with real variety, this is well worth a closer look.
Main Responsibilities:
* Sourcing and procuring engineered components, raw materials, tooling and technical services from approved suppliers
* Interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and BOMs to ensure accurate purchasing decisions
* Evaluating and negotiating supplier quotations, contracts, pricing and terms to achieve best value
* Managing supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, audits and continuous improvement initiatives
* Coordinating with Group Companies to secure volume pricing on high-spend raw materials
* Maintaining accurate procurement data including lead times, pricing, supplier performance and inventory levels
* Identifying cost-reduction opportunities through alternative sourcing and value engineering
* Resolving supply chain issues including delays, quality concerns and specification discrepancies
* Supporting new product introduction (NPI) by sourcing prototype materials and managing supplier involvement
* Ensuring compliance with company policies, industry standards and health & safety regulations
Skills/Experience:
* Experience in technical or engineering procurement within manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics or a related industrial sector
* Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, materials and supply chain principles
* Proven negotiation and supplier management skills
* Competent with ERP/MRP systems and procurement software
* Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills
* Comfortable working cross-functionally with engineering, production and quality teams
* Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
* Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing or a related field — desirable
* CIPS qualification, or working towards it — desirable
* Experience in strategic sourcing, global supplier management or project-based procurement — desirable
* Knowledge of relevant quality systems and regulatory requirements — desirable
Salary & Working Hours:
Salary is competitive and dependent on experience. Full-time, permanent position based on the Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire border.
Benefits:
* Annual bonus based on company performance
* 22 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 26 days with service
* Life assurance
* Sick pay scheme
* Pension scheme
* Workwear provided
* Staff meals and company events
Salary description
£40000.00 - £42000.00 per year