Value Engineering Buyer

Gbs Uk; Leeds; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected engineering employer in Leeds is seeking a Value Engineering Buyer to enhance cost reduction strategies through improved design and supplier engagement. This role requires strong collaboration with engineering teams to review specifications and identify cost-effective solutions in engineered components. Candidates from engineering or technical backgrounds are encouraged to apply, emphasizing communication skills and the ability to challenge design assumptions constructively. The position offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Benefits

Bonus

26 Days Holiday

Private Medical after qualifying period

Death in Service (4x salary)

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of engineered components and assemblies.
• Experience working with suppliers on design, process, or cost challenges.
• Practical understanding of manufacturing processes and cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings to identify cost opportunities.
• Engage suppliers on alternative materials and processes.
• Manage RFQs and supplier relationships.

Skills

Engineering Buyer / Technical Buyer with VAVE experience

Project, Design or Systems Engineer

Confidence reading engineering drawings

Strong communication skills

Education

Formal engineering qualification or relevant technical experience

Job description

Value Engineering Buyer – Leamington Spa

£45,000 + Bonus + 26 Days Holiday + 8 Bank Holidays
Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 17:00 | Friday 08:00 – 12:00
Private Medical (after qualifying period) + Death in Service (4x salary)
Permanent

A well‑established engineering manufacturer in Leamington Spa is looking to appoint a Value Engineering Buyer to join their procurement function. This newly refined role sits at the interface between Engineering and Purchasing, with a clear focus on design‑led and process‑led cost reduction across engineered components and assemblies. It is not a corporate purchasing role – you’ll be part of a close‑knit team where engineering input is valued and decisions are made quickly.

The Role

As a Value Engineering Buyer, you will work closely with both engineering teams and suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce total cost through improved design, material choice, manufacturing process and assembly methods. Rather than focusing purely on price negotiation, this role is about understanding how parts are designed and built, and challenging whether there is a more cost‑effective way to achieve the same outcome.

Key Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings and specifications to identify cost and manufacturability opportunities.
• Work with engineers to challenge over‑specification and design assumptions.
• Engage suppliers on alternative materials, processes and build approaches.
• Support prototype builds and engineering changes with a cost‑focused mindset.
• Lead VAVE‑style activity across machined parts, fabricated assemblies, hydraulics and metal components.
• Assess supplier capability, capacity and quality performance.
• Manage RFQs, quotations, lead times, tooling and commercial agreements.
• Resolve supply issues in collaboration with production and engineering.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with a stable UK supplier base.

What You’ll Need to Be Considered

This role does not require a traditional buying background. Suitable backgrounds include:

• Engineering Buyer / Technical Buyer with strong VAVE experience.
• Project, Design or Systems Engineer looking to move into a commercial / purchasing role.
• Buyer with strong engineering credibility and experience challenging design for cost.

You’ll ideally bring:

• A solid understanding of engineered components and assemblies (machining, fabrication, hydraulics, metalwork).
• Confidence reading and discussing engineering drawings.
• Experience working with suppliers on design, process or cost challenges.
• A practical understanding of manufacturing processes and cost drivers.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• A pragmatic, down‑to‑earth approach suited to an engineering environment.
• A formal engineering qualification is a bonus but not essential if you’ve gained relevant technical understanding through experience.

Why Join?

• Highly respected engineering employer with very low staff turnover.
• Competitive salary, bonus and strong benefits package.

If you’re looking for a role where you can influence design, drive value and work closely with engineering, this could be an excellent next step.