At a Glance
- Tasks: Source complex components and manage procurement in a high-performance engineering environment.
- Company: Join a leading motorsport and advanced engineering firm in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, ongoing training, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge engineering projects 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.
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.
Technical Buyer employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Join a well-established organisation that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where your expertise in export and trade compliance will be valued. With a commitment to long-term stability and investment in people, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of critical compliance functions while collaborating with diverse teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role not only provides meaningful work but also ensures you are at the forefront of compliance standards within a highly regulated industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their projects, values, and culture. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to technical buying. Think about how you’d handle specific challenges in a fast-paced environment like motorsport.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Technical Side:Make sure to highlight your technical expertise in your application. We want to see how you can read engineering drawings and understand machining processes, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the Technical Buyer role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for our high-performance environment.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a fast-paced setting like ours. Make every word count!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of engineering drawings and specifications. Being able to confidently discuss technical requirements with engineers will set you apart. Familiarise yourself with common machining processes and the specific components relevant to motorsport.
✨Show Your Commercial Savvy
Prepare to demonstrate your commercial awareness during the interview. Think about how you can apply should-cost analysis in your role as a Technical Buyer. Be ready to discuss how you would balance cost, quality, and lead times when making sourcing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Rapid Changes
This role is all about keeping pace in a fast-moving environment. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed shifting priorities or tight deadlines. Show that you can make sound decisions quickly, even when information is incomplete.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Prepare for scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Consider potential supply chain risks or quality issues you might encounter and how you would address them. This will show your proactive approach and analytical mindset, which are crucial for success in this role.
