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- Tasks: Manage procurement and ensure timely delivery of parts for critical rail projects.
- Company: Established engineering business in the UK rail supply chain.
- Benefits: Salary up to £40,000, profit share, and early finishes on Fridays.
- Other info: Dynamic role with visibility and genuine influence on operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business and shape procurement processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational buying and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
An established, growing engineering business within the UK rail supply chain is looking to appoint a hands-on Buyer to take ownership of day-to-day procurement across a high-value spend portfolio. This is a newly created role, introduced to bring much-needed structure, control and accountability to purchasing activity that is currently shared across the wider business.
The Role
This is a practical, operational buying position with real impact from day one. You will be responsible for managing purchase orders, chasing supplier commitments, and ensuring parts arrive when the business needs them — particularly for rail maintenance and overhaul projects where timing is critical. The role suits someone who enjoys being close to the detail, is happy spending time on the phone with suppliers, and takes pride in keeping things organised, accurate and moving. This is about execution, ownership and follow-through.
Key Responsibilities
- Raising and managing purchase orders accurately and efficiently
- Chasing order acknowledgements, delivery dates and expediting late parts
- Acting as the day-to-day contact for suppliers, including large strategic vendors
- Maintaining order trackers and delivery schedules
- Supporting operations with reactive and planned purchasing needs
- Resolving invoice queries and order discrepancies
- Improving visibility of supply risks and delivery status
- Helping stabilise and organise procurement processes within a growing business
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in an operational buyer / purchasing role
- Background in manufacturing, engineering, MRO or mechanical environments
- Comfortable managing high PO volumes and multiple suppliers
- Confident communicator — happy picking up the phone to suppliers
- Highly organised, tenacious and proactive
- Comfortable working with legacy systems and Excel rather than a full ERP
- Low-ego, practical mindset — someone who just gets on and gets it done
- Rail experience is helpful but not essential
What’s on Offer
- Salary in the region of £35,000–£40,000, pending experience
- Quarterly profit share on top of base salary
- Stable, growing business with strong order book
- Early finish on Fridays
- Role visibility and genuine impact on operational performance
- Opportunity to shape how buying is done as the function matures
Why Apply?
If you’re a buyer who enjoys being in the detail, likes ownership, and wants a role where your work is immediately noticed and valued — this is an opportunity to step into a business that genuinely needs and will rely on your skillset.
Buyer employer: 1492 Ltd
Contact Detail:
1492 Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and rail sectors. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet. Don’t be shy; people love to help if you ask!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how you can bring structure and efficiency to their buying activities — they’ll want to see your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you’ve managed purchase orders and supplier relationships in the past. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate your proactive approach and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your operational buying experience and any relevant industry background to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how your previous roles have prepared you for this position. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of supplier interaction, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to mention any experience you have in managing supplier relationships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1492 Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of procurement metrics and key performance indicators. Be ready to discuss how you've managed purchase orders and supplier relationships in the past, as this role is all about execution and ownership.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to keep things organised and accurate. Talk about how you’ve maintained order trackers or delivery schedules in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your fit for a position that requires attention to detail.
✨Communicate Confidently
Since the role involves a lot of communication with suppliers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to chase order acknowledgements or resolve discrepancies, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Embrace the Practical Mindset
The company values a low-ego, practical approach. During the interview, convey your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get things done. Share stories that reflect your proactive nature and how you’ve tackled challenges head-on in previous buying roles.