At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sourcing of subcontract machining supply chains for major customer contracts.
- Company: Join a large international engineering and manufacturing business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, enhanced leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive workplace with excellent training and long-term career development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a global organisation while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing or purchasing within manufacturing, strong negotiation skills, and technical drawing interpretation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a large international engineering and manufacturing business as a Lead Buyer. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced sourcing or purchasing professional to take ownership of a specialist subcontract machining supply chain, supporting major contractual customer accounts within regulated industries. This role offers genuine career progression within a global organisation alongside an excellent benefits package.
The Role
- Managing the subcontract machining supplier base for key customer programmes.
- Preparing and managing RFQs, evaluating supplier quotations and supporting tender submissions.
- Identifying cost reduction opportunities through global sourcing, alternative suppliers and material selection.
- Working closely with Sales, Quality and Operations to support new product introductions and customer projects.
- Developing and maintaining strong supplier relationships whilst negotiating commercial agreements.
- Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks including capacity constraints, single-source dependencies and raw material volatility.
- Supporting customer and certification audits, including ISO 9001 and EN 9120.
- Managing supplier performance and contributing to sustainability initiatives.
- Working with both UK and international suppliers to deliver sourcing projects.
- Reading and interpreting technical engineering drawings and specifications.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced sourcing or purchasing professional who has worked within a manufacturing or engineering environment. You will ideally have:
- Previous experience managing subcontract machining or engineering supply chains.
- Strong commercial awareness and excellent negotiation skills.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes and engineering components.
- Experience within a regulated industry such as aerospace, defence, automotive or oil & gas.
- An understanding of MOD and aerospace specifications.
- The ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
What’s on Offer
- Salary of £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience.
- Private healthcare.
- Genuine opportunities for career progression within a large international business.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Life insurance.
- Death in service cover.
- 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Long-term career development and training opportunities.
Lead Buyer in Redditch employer: Comton Group
Join a leading international engineering and manufacturing company in Redditch as a Lead Buyer, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including private healthcare, enhanced parental leave, and genuine career progression opportunities, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in regulated industries. Embrace the chance to develop your skills while managing key supplier relationships and contributing to sustainability initiatives within a dynamic global organisation.
