Commodity Buyer

Syntech; Bristol; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for an Engineering Commodity Buyer to manage procurement strategies for calibration and metrology services in Bristol. Responsibilities include supplier performance management, cost optimization, and compliance with industry standards. Essential skills include experience in purchasing, strong negotiation abilities, and a deep understanding of metrology principles. This full-time role offers a salary between £33,000 and £35,000.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in purchasing or commodity management.
• Strong understanding of calibration principles and metrology.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a commodity strategy for calibration services.
• Source and negotiate with suppliers of calibration services.
• Maintain strong relationships with calibration labs and equipment manufacturers.

Skills

Purchasing or commodity management experience

Understanding of calibration principles

Knowledge of ISO / IEC 17025

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication abilities

Proficiency in ERP / MRP systems

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Engineering Commodity Buyer

Salary: 33-35k

Location: Bristol

Hours: 37 hours Monday – Friday

Contract: Permanent

Position Summary

Syntech Recruitment are supporting a long standing client that are recruiting for a Commodity Buyer. You will be responsible for managing the procurement sourcing strategy and supplier performance of all calibration, metrology and test‑equipment related services and products.

This role ensures that all instruments and equipment supporting manufacturing engineering and quality functions are sourced cost‑effectively, delivered on time and compliant with internal and external standards (e.g. ISO / IEC 17025).

The Commodity Buyer works closely with Quality Engineering, Operations and Finance to maintain a robust supply base that supports business needs and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop, implement and maintain a commodity strategy for calibration and metrology services including in‑house and outsourced calibration.
• Source, evaluate and negotiate with suppliers of calibration services, test & measurement equipment, gauges, fixtures and metrology tools.
• Analyse spend data, market trends and business requirements to drive savings, supplier consolidation and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Identify and onboard ISO / IEC 17025‑accredited calibration suppliers when required.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Maintain strong relationships with calibration labs, equipment manufacturers and service providers.
• Monitor supplier performance (OTD, quality, pricing, accreditation, compliance).
• Conduct supplier reviews, audits and corrective action follow‑ups in collaboration with Quality teams.
• Resolve supplier‑related issues including delays, cost variances and quality non‑conformances.

Operational Purchasing

• Raise purchase orders for calibration, verification, repair and replacement of metrology and test equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of calibration intervals, certificates and compliance documents.
• Ensure timely scheduling of calibration activities and prevent overdue equipment.
• Work with Internal Calibration / Metrology teams to understand equipment demand, obsolescence and replacement strategy.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all purchased services comply with industry standards (ISO / IEC 17025, AS9100, ISO9001).
• Review calibration certificates ensuring traceability to national / international standards (UKAS, NIST).
• Support audits by providing evidence of supplier certification, traceability and procurement controls.

Cost Management & Continuous Improvement

• Drive cost optimisation while maintaining or improving service quality.
• Support CAPEX proposals for new metrology equipment and tooling.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities relating to calibration processes, supplier performance and equipment lifecycle management.
• Support Make‑vs‑Buy decisions for internal versus third‑party calibration services.

Key Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Proven experience in purchasing or commodity management (ideally within calibration, metrology, electronics, aerospace or precision manufacturing).
• Strong understanding of calibration principles, metrology equipment and traceability requirements.
• Knowledge of ISO / IEC 17025, ISO9001 and / or AS9100.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier‑management skills.
• Strong analytical, data‑driven decision‑making skills.
• Ability to read technical specifications, equipment datasheets and calibration requirements.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration abilities.
• Proficient in ERP / MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools.

Desirable

• Experience with gauge R&R MSA (Measurement System Analysis) and equipment lifecycle management.
• Background in engineering, quality, electronics or test & measurement.
• CIPS qualification or progress towards CIPS certification.
• Experience managing UKAS‑accredited calibration suppliers.

Personal Attributes

• Detail‑oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Proactive, resourceful and able to manage priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong relationship builder with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Results‑driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1