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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Purchasing team to negotiate and manage orders for innovative engineering components.
- Company: Award-winning design and manufacturing leader in packaging innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early Friday finish, 25 days holiday, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within engineering, strong IT skills, and understanding of engineering drawings.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Buyer to join our Purchasing team on a 6-month basis, covering Maternity Leave. The postholder will play a pivotal role in continuing to drive Procurement Activity across the business in 2026. As part of Ford's purchasing team, your main objectives will be to negotiate and place orders for machined components and other direct products, ensuring that delivery and quality requirements are maintained by suppliers to meet project deadlines. You will support the department with the implementation of new strategies, policies, and procedures, and become a key stakeholder in the supply chain management process within Fords. This role is open to full and part-time applications, with a minimum of consideration of 27.5 hours and/or 4 days per week. Please outline in your application what working hours and pattern you will be looking for.
The Company
FORDS is an award-winning design and manufacturing business and world leader in packaging innovation and technology. We design and develop unique foil closures, and build cutting edge machinery that delivers, applies, and seals them to all manner of products. For a century Fords has built a trusted reputation for providing innovative and creative sealing solutions to the biggest brands in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
Key Duties
- Supporting the Purchasing team in the procurement of all materials from the external supply chain.
- Ensuring that all procured manufactured materials from the external supply chain meet quality, delivery and cost targets.
- Identification and conversion of requirements from MRP, BOMs and drawings through to the receipt of conforming parts into stores.
- Requesting quotations.
- Analysing quotations and selecting suppliers.
- Leading negotiations with suppliers to achieve cost reductions.
- Working with suppliers to organise the return of any faulty parts.
- Maintaining and developing relationships with supply base.
- Creating and maintaining supply agreements.
- Assisting the development of all key suppliers and maintaining supplier KPI's.
- Driving forward quality improvements and compliance within the supply base.
- Raising purchase orders.
- Expediting orders, ensuring delivery dates achieved.
- Working with Finance to resolve all invoice related queries.
- Supporting and working closely with Engineering and Design departments on new projects and new concepts.
- Supporting Commercial team with cost calculations on new enquiries.
- Dealing with requests direct from inhouse mechanical assembly and precision engineering technicians.
- Support the Purchasing team in making improvements in purchasing processes which will ensure efficiencies are met within the business.
- Carry out any such tasks as required from time to time, provided they are within the competence of the postholder.
Skills/Experience
- Proven purchasing experience within an engineering/manufacturing environment.
- Understanding of engineering drawings.
- A basic understanding of manufacturing processes.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Experience in ERP/MRP systems.
- Contractual and commercial awareness.
- Full clean driving licence.
Person Specification
- Highly proactive and enthusiastic.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships with the supply chain and internal departments.
- Confident and assertive when needed, strong influencing skills.
- A real team player, collaborative and inclusive.
- Ability to independently problem solve and make decisions.
- Strong attention to detail, with impeccable thorough and accurate approach.
- Highly organised and able to prioritise workloads.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure.
Remuneration
Competitive early Friday finish - 37 hour (full time) working week (Monday to Thursday 8.00am - 4.30pm, Friday 8.00am - 1.00pm) 25 days holiday +
Engineering Buyer - FTC Maternity Cover in Kempston Hardwick employer: FORDS Packaging Systems Ltd
Contact Detail:
FORDS Packaging Systems Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Buyer - FTC Maternity Cover in Kempston Hardwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ford's values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions, especially around procurement and supplier management, so you can impress them with your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the Engineering Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Buyer - FTC Maternity Cover in Kempston Hardwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in purchasing and engineering. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since we’re open to full and part-time applications, be upfront about your preferred working hours and pattern. This helps us understand how you fit into our team and ensures we can accommodate your needs.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As an Engineering Buyer, strong communication is key! Use your application to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and negotiate effectively. A few examples of past experiences can really make you stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at FORDS Packaging Systems Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your purchasing experience, especially in engineering and manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've negotiated with suppliers or managed procurement processes. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Company
Familiarise yourself with FORDS and their products. Knowing about their unique foil closures and machinery will help you connect your skills to their needs. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role involves understanding engineering drawings and manufacturing processes, be prepared to answer technical questions. Brush up on relevant terminology and concepts so you can confidently discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to procurement.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
This role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've built strong relationships with suppliers or worked collaboratively with teams. Highlighting these experiences will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a team player who can influence and negotiate effectively.