Technical Buyer in Reading

Legrand has an exciting opportunity for a Technical Buyer to join the Starlien Team in Reading, UK. The Technical Buyer is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and procuring technically specified components that meet engineering, quality, cost, and delivery requirements. The role requires strong technical understanding, supplier management capability, and the ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure reliable supply, cost efficiency, and technical compliance throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure purchased parts meet required standards.
• Manage RFQs, evaluate quotations, issue purchase orders, and resolve supplier quality or delivery issues.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data including pricing, lead times, safety stock, technical details, and invoice resolution.
• Identify, qualify, evaluate, and develop suppliers to ensure strong overall performance in cost, delivery, and quality.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, and supply strategy.
• Implement commodity strategies to ensure long‑term, cost‑effective supply of materials.
• Conduct supplier performance and business reviews and drive improvements.
• Work with Engineering, Design, Production, Strategic Sourcing and Project teams to support technical decisions and project timelines.
• Support engineering‑to‑production transitions and new product introduction activities.
• Provide cost estimates and procurement input for project planning.
• Implement cost‑reduction initiatives (incl. VAVE) and analyse cost drivers.
• Research potential suppliers and/or service providers to meet sourcing requirements, as applicable.
• Monitor market trends and proactively manage supply, lead‑time, or technical risks.
• Ensure parts arrive on time, to specification, and fit for purpose.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production requirements and inventory turn.
• Contribute to improving procurement processes, systems, and global best‑practice methods resulting in increased customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Development or Supply Chain Management or equivalent.
• Business degrees with multiple years of experience preferred.
• Certified Purchasing Management (CPM) certification desired.
• Three to five years purchasing materials in a manufacturing environment.
• MRP or ERP software experience required. Infor CloudSuite preferred.
• Advanced in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Flexibility to adjust and thrive in an environment with changing requirements, schedules, and priorities for multiple projects and assignments.
• Strong desire to promote positive change.
• Self‑driven and resourceful to achieve goals independently as well as work well in teams.
• Solves a range of straightforward problems; analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures.
• Critical thinking skills – able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Strong communication skills; able to clearly and concisely express information (or data) to associates, peers, and management.
• Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Primary environment: ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.
• The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to the manufacturing areas where under certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and mandatory hearing protection.
• Regularly required to stand; walk and communicate with others.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.