The Role
As a Buyer / Purchasing Specialist, you will play a key role in sourcing, purchasing and managing the supply of engineering components, MRO products and obsolete or difficult-to-source parts. You will be responsible for supplier sourcing, price negotiation, purchase order management, stock availability, and supporting customer requirements through accurate and timely procurement.
This is a commercially focused role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced engineering supply environment, has strong supplier negotiation skills, and can confidently source both standard and obsolete parts from UK and international supply chains.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage day-to-day purchasing of engineering products, MRO supplies, consumables, PPE, tools, bearings, belts, transmission products and associated industrial components
* Source obsolete, discontinued and hard-to-find parts through approved suppliers, alternative manufacturers, distributors and specialist networks
* Raise, manage and expedite purchase orders to ensure accurate and timely delivery
* Obtain quotations, compare supplier pricing and negotiate best value on cost, availability, lead time and quality
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring high levels of service, reliability and responsiveness
* Work closely with sales and operations teams to support customer enquiries, urgent requirements and project-based purchasing
* Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternative sourcing options and improved purchasing routes
* Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier and stock records within ERP or stock management systems
* Support goods-in queries, delivery discrepancies, supplier returns and quality issues where required
About You
* Previous experience in a fast-paced purchasing, buying, procurement or technical sourcing role within an MRO, engineering, manufacturing or industrial supply environment
* Strong technical understanding of engineering components, mechanical transmission products, bearings, belts, drive products and general MRO supplies
* Experience sourcing obsolete, discontinued, legacy or hard-to-find parts is highly advantageous
* Good commercial awareness with the ability to compare quotations, negotiate pricing and secure best value
* Strong supplier management skills and confidence dealing with multiple suppliers and manufacturers
* Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage urgent purchasing requirements
* Confident communicator with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
* Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
* High attention to detail, accuracy and a proactive problem-solving mindset
* Ability to work independently and as part of a wider sales, stores and operations team
Desirable
* Experience in supplier sourcing, vendor development and contract negotiation
* Experience purchasing from UK, European and international suppliers
* Ability to identify suitable alternatives or equivalents for obsolete or discontinued parts
Experience:
* Purchasing, buying or procurement experience: 1 year (preferred)
* Engineering, MRO or industrial supply experience: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (required)
Salary description
£45000.00 - £50000.00 per year