Purchasing Coordinator in Trafford Park

We are a growing and dynamic MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) supplier, delivering high-quality products and services to a wide range of industrial customers. With a strong focus on customer service, reliability, and efficiency, we are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Buyer / Purchasing Specialist to join our team, specialising in engineering products, MRO supplies, and obsolete or hard-to-source parts.

The Role

As a Buyer / Purchasing Specialist, you will play a key role in sourcing, purchasing and managing the supply of engineering components, MRO products and obsolete or difficult-to-source parts. You will be responsible for supplier sourcing, price negotiation, purchase order management, stock availability, and supporting customer requirements through accurate and timely procurement. This is a commercially focused role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced engineering supply environment, has strong supplier negotiation skills, and can confidently source both standard and obsolete parts from UK and international supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day purchasing of engineering products, MRO supplies, consumables, PPE, tools, bearings, belts, transmission products and associated industrial components.
• Source obsolete, discontinued and hard-to-find parts through approved suppliers, alternative manufacturers, distributors and specialist networks.
• Raise, manage and expedite purchase orders to ensure accurate and timely delivery.
• Obtain quotations, compare supplier pricing and negotiate best value on cost, availability, lead time and quality.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring high levels of service, reliability and responsiveness.
• Work closely with sales and operations teams to support customer enquiries, urgent requirements and project-based purchasing.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternative sourcing options and improved purchasing routes.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier and stock records within ERP or stock management systems.
• Support goods-in queries, delivery discrepancies, supplier returns and quality issues where required.

About You

• Previous experience in a fast-paced purchasing, buying, procurement or technical sourcing role within an MRO, engineering, manufacturing or industrial supply environment.
• Strong technical understanding of engineering components, mechanical transmission products, bearings, belts, drive products and general MRO supplies.
• Experience sourcing obsolete, discontinued, legacy or hard-to-find parts is highly advantageous.
• Good commercial awareness with the ability to compare quotations, negotiate pricing and secure best value.
• Strong supplier management skills and confidence dealing with multiple suppliers and manufacturers.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage urgent purchasing requirements.
• Confident communicator with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• High attention to detail, accuracy and a proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider sales, stores and operations team.

Desirable

• Experience in supplier sourcing, vendor development and contract negotiation.
• Experience purchasing from UK, European and international suppliers.
• Ability to identify suitable alternatives or equivalents for obsolete or discontinued parts.

Experience:

• Purchasing, buying or procurement experience: 1 year (preferred).
• Engineering, MRO or industrial supply experience: 1 year (preferred).

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required).