Purchasing Coordinator

K N Engineering Solutions; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

K N Engineering Solutions is seeking a proactive Buyer / Purchasing Specialist to source engineering components, MRO supplies, and obsolete parts. You will manage supplier sourcing, price negotiation, PO management, stock availability and support customer requirements across UK and international supply chains.

This fast-paced role requires strong negotiation skills, an understanding of engineering components and the ability to work with multiple suppliers to secure best value and reliable

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced purchasing or procurement roles in an MRO/engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering components, mechanical transmission products and general MRO supplies.
• Experience sourcing obsolete, discontinued, legacy or hard-to-find parts.
• Proficient in ERP systems and Excel for procurement analytics.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day purchasing of engineering products, MRO supplies and related components.
• Source obsolete and hard-to-find parts through approved suppliers and networks.
• Raise, manage and expedite purchase orders for timely delivery.
• Obtain quotations, compare pricing and negotiate best value.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure service and reliability.
• Collaborate with sales and operations to support customer requirements and urgent needs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative sourcing options.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and stock records in ERP systems.
• Support goods-in queries and supplier returns as needed.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Negotiation

Supplier management

Communications

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are a growing and dynamic MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) supplier, delivering high-quality products and services to a wide range of industrial customers. With a strong focus on customer service, reliability, and efficiency, we are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Buyer / Purchasing Specialist to join our team, specialising in engineering products, MRO supplies, and obsolete or hard-to-source parts.

The Role

As a Buyer / Purchasing Specialist, you will play a key role in sourcing, purchasing and managing the supply of engineering components, MRO products and obsolete or difficult-to-source parts. You will be responsible for supplier sourcing, price negotiation, purchase order management, stock availability, and supporting customer requirements through accurate and timely procurement.

This is a commercially focused role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced engineering supply environment, has strong supplier negotiation skills, and can confidently source both standard and obsolete parts from UK and international supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day purchasing of engineering products, MRO supplies, consumables, PPE, tools, bearings, belts, transmission products and associated industrial components
• Source obsolete, discontinued and hard-to-find parts through approved suppliers, alternative manufacturers, distributors and specialist networks
• Raise, manage and expedite purchase orders to ensure accurate and timely delivery
• Obtain quotations, compare supplier pricing and negotiate best value on cost, availability, lead time and quality
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring high levels of service, reliability and responsiveness
• Work closely with sales and operations teams to support customer enquiries, urgent requirements and project-based purchasing
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternative sourcing options and improved purchasing routes
• Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier and stock records within ERP or stock management systems
• Support goods-in queries, delivery discrepancies, supplier returns and quality issues where required

About You

• Previous experience in a fast-paced purchasing, buying, procurement or technical sourcing role within an MRO, engineering, manufacturing or industrial supply environment
• Strong technical understanding of engineering components, mechanical transmission products, bearings, belts, drive products and general MRO supplies
• Experience sourcing obsolete, discontinued, legacy or hard-to-find parts is highly advantageous
• Good commercial awareness with the ability to compare quotations, negotiate pricing and secure best value
• Strong supplier management skills and confidence dealing with multiple suppliers and manufacturers
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage urgent purchasing requirements
• Confident communicator with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• High attention to detail, accuracy and a proactive problem-solving mindset
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider sales, stores and operations team

Desirable

• Experience in supplier sourcing, vendor development and contract negotiation
• Experience purchasing from UK, European and international suppliers
• Ability to identify suitable alternatives or equivalents for obsolete or discontinued parts

Experience:

• Purchasing, buying or procurement experience: 1 year (preferred)
• Engineering, MRO or industrial supply experience: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)