Commodity Buyer

Syntech Recruitment Ltd; Kingswood; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking recruitment agency is seeking an Engineering Commodity Buyer to manage procurement and supplier performance for calibration and metrology services. The role requires strong negotiation skills and a solid understanding of calibration principles, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Candidates should have experience in purchasing and excellent collaboration abilities. The position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in purchasing or commodity management.
• Strong understanding of calibration principles and metrology equipment.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a procurement strategy for calibration services.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance.
• Raise purchase orders and maintain compliance records.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication abilities

Understanding of calibration principles

Education

CIPS qualification or progress towards CIPS certification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office tools

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 vs 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.