Engineering Buyer

Dorchester Search & Selection; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in mechanical equipment is seeking a motivated Buyer to join their team. This permanent role involves procurement responsibilities essential for manufacturing processes, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. The company offers a supportive environment with full training and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Company pension

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer in the mechanical engineering industry.
• Ability to obtain UK national security clearance.
• Full clean UK driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Source and procure materials and components.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers for favorable agreements.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Mindset

Problem-Solving

Organisational Skills

Time Management

Education

CIPS qualification or working towards it

Relevant experience in mechanical engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to get involved in exciting new products and projects and grow within the organisation. It is a permanent role within an existing team of experienced individuals, and full training will be provided.

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Buyer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a key role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, services, and components essential for our manufacturing processes.

The position requires an understanding of the engineering industry, strong communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

You will need an analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to work under pressure and take initiative. You should be able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, with attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness. Strong organisational and time management skills, along with effective communication skills at all levels within the company, are essential.

The Company:

We are a world-leading manufacturer of mechanical equipment and components for sectors such as Oil & Gas, Defence, Nuclear, and Nuclear Decommissioning. We are experiencing rapid growth, and this trend is expected to continue into the future. It is an exciting time with excellent long-term job security for the right individual.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers in the engineering industry.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers, assessing their capabilities, quality standards, and reliability.
• Manage supplier performance in line with departmental KPIs and address underperformance effectively.

Sourcing and Procurement

• Source and procure raw materials, components, subcontract services, and equipment required for projects.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to secure favourable agreements on price, delivery, and quality.
• Raise and issue purchase orders ensuring they are within budget, with correct lead times, and in a timely manner.
• Handle RFQs (Request for Quotations and Services).
• Support the estimating team in obtaining prices for tenders and bids, adhering to tight deadlines.
• Identify and implement cost savings aligned with business goals, including conducting costing exercises for non-direct spends.
• Expedite purchase orders for both direct and indirect suppliers, reporting delays or problems to internal stakeholders such as production and project teams.
• Understand and interpret engineering drawings.

Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with quality control and engineering teams to ensure purchased materials meet specifications and standards.
• Action non-conformance reports and generate Corrective Action Reports, ensuring timely resolution.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts and excess inventory.

Risk Management

• Identify potential supply chain risks and develop contingency plans.
• Stay informed about industry trends, geopolitical factors, and other variables impacting the supply chain.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of transactions, including purchase orders, contracts, and supplier quality records.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant qualification such as CIPS or working towards it.
• Proven experience as a Buyer in the mechanical engineering industry.
• In-depth knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and industry-specific regulations.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and good understanding of ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Full clean UK driver’s license, as travel may be required.
• Ability to obtain UK national security clearance, organized by the company.
• UK citizenship is required due to the nature of the work.

Job Details:

• Type: Full-time
• Salary: GBP30,000.00 - GBP40,000.00 per year
• Benefits: Company pension, free on-site parking
• Schedule: Day shift, Monday to Friday