Senior Buyer in Newton-le-Willows

Build a career powered by innovations that matter! At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.

Summary

You will manage the sourcing and procurement of electronic and mechanical components, maintain stock availability, monitor purchasing KPIs, and lead supply chain change activity. You will work to defined purchasing processes and support broader supply chain tasks when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement and Supply

• Purchase electronic and mechanical components at the best price and quality, ensuring all documentation meets traceability and conformity requirements.
• Purchase subcontract services, consumables, capital equipment and ad hoc items.
• Monitor market conditions, manage risks and secure continuity of supply, including long lead-time and allocated parts.
• Maintain compliance with Novanta’s counterfeit material policies.

• Work with Planning to align material supply with customer commitments and escalate risks.
• Manage inventory levels to protect supply while limiting liability.
• Maintain accurate Item Master data, including pricing, HS codes, compliance and import/export details.
• Maintain Approved Vendor Lists.
• Set annual standard pricing in January.

• Evaluate, qualify and select suppliers using global tools and audit processes.
• Manage supplier relationships to improve performance.
• Track and report supplier and supply chain KPIs using Novanta systems.
• Run quarterly business reviews, prepare agendas and issue minutes.
• Work with Quality to manage non-conformance reports and close-out actions.

• Lead supply chain improvement projects.
• Manage changes to Bills of Material through the ECN process.
• Provide cross-cover within the Supply Chain team and support annual stock take.

• Support and develop purchasing team members.
• Work closely with Compliance Leaders to ensure adherence to mandatory compliance requirements.
• Follow all Novanta policies and core values.

Requirements

• Experience and Skills

• Strong procurement background with experience managing suppliers and improving performance.
• Skilled negotiator with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, able to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of international trade, Incoterms and customs compliance.
• Strong MRP and ERP capability (essential).
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Proactive approach and effective escalation skills.
• Experience in a similar role with a record of delivering results.

• CIPS qualification preferred.
• Degree level desirable but not essential.

Working Pattern

On-site, hands-on role. Flexible working patterns available.

Travel

Occasional UK or international travel. Valid passport and driving licence desirable.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in standard manufacturing and office environments and use standard office equipment including a computer.

Consider joining Novanta because we offer a global, collaborative environment built around strong values, cohesive teams and a clear commitment to employee growth. We promote work–life balance, provide flexible work arrangements across our global sites, and offer competitive, geography‑specific benefits including healthcare, insurance and retirement plans. Novanta’s focus on innovation and complex technical problem‑solving gives you the chance to work on meaningful technologies in medical, life science and advanced industrial markets, supported by a culture designed to help you develop and progress. Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.