Engineering Buyer

Mansell Recruitment Group; St. Neots; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Mansell Recruitment Group is representing an established and growing manufacturer of bespoke engineering and food processing equipment seeking an experienced Engineering Buyer to join their procurement team. You will source engineered components, raw materials and services for production, negotiate terms and ensure cost-effective procurement while meeting quality and delivery requirements.

You will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Production and Quality to ensure items meet technical

Qualifications

• Previous experience in technical or engineering procurement within manufacturing or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of materials, components and supplier markets.
• Ability to interpret drawings, BOMs and specifications for purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Source engineered components, raw materials, tooling and services from approved suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing and terms.
• Develop supplier relationships and monitor performance for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production and Quality to meet regulatory and technical standards.
• Drive cost-saving opportunities through alternative sourcing and value engineering.
• Manage procurement data: pricing, lead times and supplier performance.

Skills

Technical procurement

Negotiation

Supplier management

Sourcing strategies

Communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Engineering or related

CIPS qualification (desirable)

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Procurement software

Job description

An established and growing manufacturer of bespoke engineering and food processing equipment is looking for an experienced Engineering Buyer to join their procurement team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded procurement professional to play a key role in a fast‑paced engineering environment. You will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating and purchasing technical materials, engineered components and services required for production and engineering projects, ensuring cost‑effective procurement while maintaining quality and delivery requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure engineered components, raw materials, tooling and technical services from approved suppliers.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate purchasing.
• Evaluate and negotiate supplier quotations, pricing, contracts and commercial terms.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, including performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Engineering, Production and Quality teams to ensure purchased items meet technical and regulatory requirements.
• Obtain competitive volume pricing on high‑spend items such as raw materials.
• Maintain accurate procurement information including pricing, lead times, supplier performance and inventory levels.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities through alternative sourcing, value engineering and supplier optimisation.
• Resolve supply chain issues including delays, quality concerns and specification discrepancies.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) through sourcing prototype materials and managing supplier involvement.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, industry standards and Health & Safety requirements.

Required Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in technical or engineering procurement, ideally within a manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics or industrial environment.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, materials and supply chain principles.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and procurement software.
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with Engineering, Production and Quality teams.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Degree, HNC or HND in Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing or a related discipline.
• CIPS qualification or currently working towards CIPS.
• Experience of strategic sourcing, global suppliers or project‑based procurement.
• Knowledge of quality systems and relevant industry regulatory requirements