At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for aftermarket parts and components.
- Company: Forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing business with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £45K and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on operational excellence and supplier partnerships.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative supply chain solutions and customer support.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within engineering or manufacturing sectors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
This opportunity sits within a forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing business investing heavily in aftermarket capability, supply chain resilience, and customer support operations across a global footprint.
The focus of the role is the procurement of parts, assemblies, and service-related components that support ongoing maintenance, uptime, and aftermarket performance. Procurement plays a visible role in operational continuity, inventory optimisation, and long-term supplier strategy.
You will manage a technical spend area covering proprietary components, engineered parts, and service-related products critical to customer support operations and manufacturing continuity. The environment will suit someone with experience operating across complex engineering supply chains where availability, lead-time reduction, stock strategy, and commercial control all directly impact customer performance.
You will:
- Own supplier relationships across a technical aftermarket and engineering spend portfolio
- Lead negotiations around pricing, warranty agreements, contracts, and long-term supply arrangements
- Drive cost reduction, inventory optimisation, and supplier performance improvement activity
- Support consolidation and rationalisation initiatives across parts and component ranges
- Work closely with engineering, operations, logistics, and product teams to support continuity of supply and aftermarket strategy
- Contribute to service exchange and remanufacturing initiatives where commercially viable
- Support logistics and 3PL activity linked to aftermarket distribution and customer fulfilment
- Identify and mitigate supply chain, cost, and data integrity risks across the procurement process
The role requires someone commercially strong but operationally aware — capable of balancing cost, availability, quality, and customer expectations within a fast-paced engineering environment.
What we're looking for:
- Procurement or purchasing experience within engineering, manufacturing, aftermarket, fleet, or industrial sectors
- Experience buying parts, assemblies, maintenance components, or proprietary engineering products
- Strong supplier negotiation and contract management capability
- Understanding of inventory strategy, cost modelling, and supplier performance management
- Exposure to manufacturing, service exchange, or aftermarket support environments would be advantageous
- CIPS or degree-level qualification preferred
This is a role for someone who understands the commercial impact of aftermarket procurement and wants to operate in a business investing in smarter supply chain models, supplier partnerships, and long-term operational performance.
Buyer - Aftermarket employer: Distinct Recruitment
Join a dynamic engineering and manufacturing company that prioritises innovation and growth in the aftermarket sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages professional advancement and offers competitive remuneration. Located in a thriving area, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge supply chain strategies while making a tangible impact on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Aftermarket
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain strategies. We want you to show off your knowledge about their aftermarket capabilities and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves supplier relationships and contract management, we suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Aftermarket
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in engineering and aftermarket sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our supply chain resilience. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves leading negotiations, share specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. We love seeing how you’ve driven cost reductions or improved supplier performance!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct Recruitment
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the engineering and aftermarket sectors. Be ready to discuss your experience with buying parts and assemblies, as well as any specific strategies you've used for inventory optimisation and supplier performance management.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Since this role involves leading negotiations around pricing and contracts, prepare some examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you balanced cost, quality, and availability to achieve the best outcomes for your previous employers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Demonstrate your understanding of how procurement impacts operational continuity and customer satisfaction. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to supply chain resilience and how you can support the company's aftermarket strategy.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, expect questions that assess your understanding of engineered parts and service-related products. Brush up on relevant terminology and be ready to explain how you've managed complex supply chains in the past.
