Engineering buyer

Elix Sourcing Solutions; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Sick Pay

Pension Scheme

Workwear provided

Staff events/meals

Job summary

Elix Sourcing Solutions is seeking an experienced Engineering Buyer to own end-to-end procurement for engineered components, raw materials, and services. You will read drawings, manage BOMs, and negotiate with suppliers to secure best value while maintaining lead times.

The role reports into the Board Director and offers autonomy within a growing manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will support production with cross-functional collaboration, group-wide synergies, and NPI

Qualifications

• Proven experience in technical or engineering procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret 2D/3D engineering drawings, specifications and BOMs.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Proficient with ERP/MRP and modern procurement software.
• Self-motivated to run a 1-person procurement function autonomously.
• Excellent cross-functional communication with engineering, production and senior management.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure engineered components, raw materials, tooling, and technical services to support production and projects.
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and BOMs to ensure accurate purchasing.
• Evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing, contracts and terms for value and efficiency.
• Build and manage key supplier relationships, monitor performance and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering, production and quality teams to meet technical and quality standards.
• Coordinate with wider group companies to leverage spend for volume pricing.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through sourcing optimization and value engineering.
• Resolve supply chain bottlenecks and manage stock levels and lead times.
• Support NPI projects by sourcing prototype materials and early supplier involvement.

Skills

Technical procurement experience

Negotiation skills

ERP/MRP proficiency

Autonomous 1-person function

Engineering drawings interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree / HNC / HND or CIPS desirable

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Engineering Buyer

40,000- 42,000

Monday - Friday Days

Commutable from - Bedford, Cambridge, St Neots, Biggleswade, Huntingdon, Royston

Are you an experienced Engineering Buyer with a background in technical sourcing, component procurement, and manufacturing supply chains?

Are you confident in managing end-to-end purchasing, reading engineering drawings and BOMs, and leading commercial negotiations with key suppliers? If you're looking for an autonomous procurement role with full ownership of a purchasing function and genuine impact within a growing business, this could be an excellent opportunity.

Our client is an established, market-leading technical manufacturing business looking to appoint an Engineering Buyer to take sole responsibility for their procurement department. Reporting directly to the Board Director, the successful candidate will manage all sourcing, supplier management, and materials purchasing required for production and custom engineering projects.

This is a sole-charge role supported by an administrative team, making it ideal for a self-motivated buyer who thrives on autonomy, enjoys working cross-functional with internal engineering teams, and takes pride in driving best-value procurement without compromising on quality or lead times.

The Role

• Sourcing & Procurement: Source and procure engineered components, raw materials, tooling, and technical services from approved suppliers to support production and project deadlines.
• Technical Interpretation: Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate purchasing and clear supplier understanding.
• Commercial Negotiation: Evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms to achieve maximum value and cost efficiency.
• Supplier Management: Build and manage key supplier relationships, conducting performance monitoring, supplier audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production and quality teams to ensure all purchased items strictly meet technical, regulatory and quality standards.
• Group Synergy: Coordinate with wider Group companies to leverage combined spend and secure volume pricing on high-value raw material categories.
• Cost Reduction & Value Engineering: Identify ongoing cost-reduction opportunities through alternative sourcing, supplier optimization and value engineering.
• Supply Chain & Inventory Management: Resolve supply chain bottlenecks, quality discrepancies, and delivery delays while maintaining accurate procurement data, lead times and stock levels.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Support NPI projects by sourcing prototype materials and managing early supplier involvement.

The Candidate

• Proven experience in technical or engineering procurement within a manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, automotive, or engineering environment.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, raw materials and supply chain principles.
• Ability to interpret 2D/3D engineering drawings, specifications and complex BOMs.
• Proven negotiation and strategic supplier management skills.
• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems and modern procurement software.
• Self-motivated and capable of running a 1-person procurement function autonomously.
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, able to interface comfortably with engineering, production and senior management.
• Relevant qualification (Degree, HNC/HND or CIPS) is desirable but not essential.

What's in it for you?

• Up to 42,000 per annum salary (with flexibility for exceptional, highly experienced candidates).
• Monday to Friday Days working pattern.
• Full ownership and autonomy over a dedicated procurement department reporting into Director level.
• Annual performance-based company bonus scheme.
• Generous holiday allowance (22 days + Bank Holidays, increasing with service).
• Comprehensive benefits package including Life Assurance, Sick Pay, and Pension Scheme.
• On-site perks including workwear provided and staff events/meals.

Please be aware that we will only accept applications from candidates with a valid right to work in the UK. By applying for this role, you confirm that you do not hold a criminal record and know of no legal reason why you would be ineligible for employment.