Engineering Buyer

Mane Contract Services; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Buyer in the Supply Chain function in the United Kingdom. This role involves managing the full procurement cycle, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of products, and overseeing supplier performance. Required qualifications include a CIPS Level 4 purchasing qualification or relevant experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills and knowledge of MRP systems like JD Edwards and SAP. This position is crucial for maintaining efficient supply chain operations.

Qualifications

• CIPS Level 4 or significant procurement experience.
• Preferred technical qualification (HNC/HND or Degree).

Responsibilities

• Manage suppliers to implement optimal commercial solutions.
• Negotiate Service Level Agreements on cost and lead times.
• Track procurement metrics and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure material availability.

Skills

Relationship-building skills

Negotiation skills

Advanced Excel

Data analysis

MRP system knowledge

Education

Purchasing qualification (CIPS Level 4)

Technical qualification (HNC/HND or Degree)

Tools

JD Edwards E1

SAP

Oracle

Job description

A key role within the Supply Chain function, ensuring on-time, cost-effective, and high-quality delivery of products. The Buyer manages the end-to-end procurement cycle, supplier performance, and procurement metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage approved suppliers and implement optimal commercial solutions.
• Negotiate and oversee Service Level Agreements (OTIF, cost, inventory, lead times, payment terms).
• Lead and develop buyers, managing objectives, capacity, and performance.
• Track procurement metrics (orders, returns, invoices) and drive supplier improvements.
• Collaborate with planning and cross-functional teams to address material availability and forecast changes.
• Participate in supplier assessments, rationalisation, and open-book pricing initiatives.
• Ensure accurate part details, costs, and lead times in the ERP system.
• Resolve purchase price variances and act as escalation point for supplier issues.

Qualifications

• Purchasing qualification (CIPS Level 4) or significant procurement experience.
• Technical qualification (HNC/HND or Degree) preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• MRP system knowledge (JD Edwards E1, SAP, Oracle).
• Able to manage competing priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.
• Clear, concise communicator with experience in engineering/production environments.