Lead Buyer

White Label Recruitment Ltd; Pudsey; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm in Leeds is seeking a Lead Buyer to spearhead sourcing of materials and services amid procurement transformation. This role entails managing supplier evaluations and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have strong engineering knowledge and experience in manufacturing procurement. The position offers a competitive salary of £43,000 - £48,000, along with benefits including a bonus scheme and company pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company-wide bonus scheme

6% employer pension contribution

Life insurance (2x salary)

Laptop provided

CIPS funding available

36.5-hour week: on-site Mon-Thurs, remote Friday morning

Qualifications

• Strong engineering knowledge, especially fabrication processes.
• Experience in manufacturing procurement (direct/indirect).
• Skilled in interpreting technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing of raw materials, components, and services.
• Ensure compliance with ASME codes and full material traceability.
• Manage RFQs, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations.

Skills

Strong engineering knowledge

Experience in manufacturing procurement

Interpreting technical drawings

Material certification and traceability

ERP system experience (EFACS desirable)

Eligible for SC clearance

Education

CIPS qualified or working towards

Job description

Overview

A long-established engineering business in Leeds is looking to appoint a Lead Buyer to support procurement transformation, ERP implementation and strategic sourcing as part of wider growth plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing of raw materials, components, and services
• Interpret technical and fabrication drawings
• Ensure compliance with ASME codes and full material traceability
• Manage RFQs, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and ERP data
• Support inventory control, Kanban levels, and stock reduction
• Handle spares enquiries, quotations, and international shipments
• Drive supplier performance through KPIs and regular reviews
• Support ERP system development and lean initiatives
• Identify and onboard new suppliers, including low-cost sourcing

Essential Requirements

• Strong engineering knowledge, especially fabrication processes
• Experience in manufacturing procurement (direct/indirect)
• Skilled in interpreting technical drawings
• Familiar with material certification and traceability
• ERP system experience (EFACS desirable)
• Eligible for SC clearance

Desirable Experience

• CIPS qualified or working towards
• Background in defence, aerospace, or regulated sectors
• Lean/CI exposure and data-led decision making

Benefits

• £43,000 - £48,000
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (2 reserved for Christmas)
• Company-wide bonus scheme
• 6% employer pension contribution
• Life insurance (2x salary)
• Laptop provided
• CIPS funding available
• 36.5-hour week: on-site Mon-Thurs, remote Friday morning

Why Apply?

• Well-established employer with strong order book
• Strategic role with real scope for impact
• Supportive leadership and investment in modernisation