Engineering Buyer – Manufacturing & Technical Procurement

Location: Central Bedfordshire / Cambridgeshire Border
Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Sector: Engineering / Manufacturing

Exciting Opportunity – Engineering Buyer

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a well-established and highly respected engineering and manufacturing company seeking an experienced Engineering Buyer to join their growing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional with a strong technical understanding of engineering components, manufacturing processes and supplier management.

Working within a busy and innovative manufacturing environment, you will play a key role in ensuring the business has the right materials, components and services available at the right time, cost and quality.

Our client is looking for someone who can combine strong purchasing skills with a practical understanding of engineering, working closely with production, engineering and quality teams.

The Role

As an Engineering Buyer, you will take responsibility for sourcing, negotiating and purchasing a wide range of technical components, raw materials and services to support manufacturing operations and engineering projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Sourcing and purchasing engineered components, raw materials, tooling and technical services.
• Interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate purchasing.
• Negotiating supplier quotations, pricing, contracts and commercial terms.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with existing and new suppliers.
• Monitoring supplier performance, delivery schedules, quality and costs.
• Working closely with engineering, production and quality teams to meet project requirements.
• Identifying opportunities for cost savings, alternative sourcing and improved purchasing efficiency.
• Managing procurement records, lead times, stock levels and supplier information.
• Resolving supply chain issues, including delivery delays, quality concerns and specification discrepancies.
• Supporting new product development and engineering projects through effective procurement planning.
• Coordinating purchasing opportunities across associated businesses to achieve competitive pricing.

What We’re Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience purchasing technical or engineered components within a manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience as an Engineering Buyer, Technical Buyer, Manufacturing Buyer or similar procurement professional.
• A good understanding of engineering components, manufacturing processes and technical materials.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and BOMs.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and purchasing software.
• Good commercial awareness, with the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively with engineering, production and quality departments.
• A proactive, practical approach to problem-solving and supplier management.

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience within mechanical engineering, machinery manufacturing, automotive, aerospace or industrial manufacturing.
• CIPS qualification or working towards one.
• HNC/HND or degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain or a related discipline.
• Experience with international suppliers or strategic sourcing.
• Knowledge of stock control, long-lead-time components and quality management systems.

What’s on Offer?

Our client offers an excellent opportunity to join a successful and established manufacturing business, with a competitive salary and attractive benefits package.

• Salary up to £42,000 depending on experience
• Annual company performance-related bonus
• 22 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 26 days with service
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Company sick pay scheme
• Workwear provided
• Staff meals and company events
• Opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement and purchasing strategy
• Stable, long-term employment within an established engineering business

Interested? We’d Love to Hear From You!

If you’re an experienced Engineering Buyer who enjoys the challenge of technical purchasing, supplier negotiations and working closely with engineering teams, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

We would also welcome applications from Technical Buyers, Manufacturing Buyers and Procurement Specialists with relevant engineering experience.

Apply today with your CV or contact Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.