At a Glance
- Tasks: Source complex components and ensure timely delivery in a high-performance engineering environment.
- Company: Join a leading motorsport and advanced engineering firm in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, training, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge engineering programmes and thrive in a fast-paced culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical purchasing and strong understanding of engineering processes.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Motorsport | Advanced Engineering | Precision Manufacturing
Oxfordshire, Onsite, No Sponsorship for overseas candidates
Strong starting salary plus benefits package
UK | High-Performance Environment | Fast Paced | Engineering-Led Procurement
Some buyers place orders. Others keep race programmes alive. We're looking for a technically credible, commercially sharp Technical Buyer who understands the difference between "on order" and "on the car." This is not a traditional procurement role hidden behind spreadsheets and approval chains. You'll sit at the heart of a high-performance engineering environment, working closely with engineers, programme teams and specialist suppliers to source complex machined and metallic components where quality, timing and technical accuracy are absolutely critical.
If you can read engineering drawings as comfortably as commercial terms, challenge suppliers intelligently, and thrive when priorities shift at pace, this could be your next move.
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing technically complex machining and metallic components from sourcing through to delivery and use.
- Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and technical requirements with confidence.
- Holding credible conversations with engineers and suppliers around manufacturability, lead times, technical risk and cost.
- Applying your understanding of machining and manufacturing processes to make smart sourcing decisions.
- Identifying supply chain, technical or quality risks early and acting before they become programme issues.
- Ensuring components arrive on time, to specification and fit for purpose in a demanding delivery-focused environment.
- Maintaining accurate purchasing and ERP data including pricing, lead times and invoice resolution.
- Making sound judgement calls under pressure, often with incomplete information and changing priorities.
What We're Looking For
We want someone who combines engineering understanding with procurement instinct.
You'll Ideally Have:
- Experience in technical purchasing within Motorsport or advanced engineering
- Strong knowledge of machining and metallic component procurement
- Confidence reading engineering drawings and specifications
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering constraints
- Experience using ERP/purchasing systems in a fast-paced technical environment
- Commercial awareness and exposure to should-cost analysis
- Degree qualification in a relevant discipline
- CIPS qualification advantageous but not essential
- IFS ERP knowledge and strong Excel skills beneficial
The Kind of Person Who'll Succeed Here
You are:
- Calm under pressure
- Technically credible
- Commercially aware
- Proactive and analytical
- Comfortable making decisions quickly
- Someone who spots problems before they become expensive
You'll be equally comfortable working with:
- Engineers
- Suppliers
- Procurement leadership
- Manufacturing teams
...and you'll know how to keep momentum when deadlines tighten and priorities change overnight.
What's In It For You?
- Competitive salary with genuine development opportunities
- 25 days holiday plus the option to buy up to 15 more
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Subsidised onsite restaurant
- Car salary sacrifice scheme
- Pension salary sacrifice scheme
- CycleScheme
- Exercise classes and well-being support
- Paid volunteering time
- Social events throughout the year
- Exclusive company discounts
- Life assurance
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a business where engineering excellence, pace and teamwork genuinely matter. You won't just be raising purchase orders. You'll be influencing delivery, supporting cutting-edge engineering programmes and working in an environment where every component counts. If you enjoy technical challenge, autonomy and being part of a high-performance culture, we'd love to hear from you.
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency. In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.
Technical Buyer in Oxford employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Join a dynamic team in Oxfordshire where engineering excellence and high-performance culture are at the forefront of our operations. As a Technical Buyer, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional development, all while working closely with engineers and suppliers in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and teamwork. With benefits like enhanced family-friendly policies, subsidised meals, and well-being support, we offer a rewarding workplace that prioritises both your career growth and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Buyer in Oxford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Jonathan Lee Recruitment.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Buyer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Jonathan Lee Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Jonathan Lee Recruitment. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Jonathan Lee Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Jonathan Lee Recruitment!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Jonathan Lee Recruitment. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Jonathan Lee Recruitment's culture.
