Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international procurement operations and develop strategies for the Chinese market.
- Company: Join a global leader in valve technology with over 45 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days annual leave, pension scheme, and medical cash plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing company and shape overseas supply routes.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering background and significant experience in global procurement.
- Other info: Proactive environment with opportunities for career growth and recognition.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate
Travel: Office based role with occasional travel to China
Technical Requirement: Mechanical Engineering background (essential)
Language: Mandarin (highly advantageous)
Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited is looking for a commercially sharp, technically minded Senior Buyer to take the lead on our international procurement operations. While you’ll be a key part of our strategic thinking, this is a hands-on role for a "doer" – someone who enjoys the “thrill of the deal” and wants to own the procurement strategy specifically for the Chinese market. You will be the primary link between our engineering requirements and our global supply chain, ensuring we source the highest quality materials at the most competitive prices.
About Us: With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth – as well as the coveted Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
What You’ll Be Doing: In this role, you won't just be managing a process; you’ll be driving the engine. You will be responsible for:
- China Strategy Ownership: Developing and executing a robust procurement strategy specifically for the Chinese market (and supporting our growth in India).
- Technical Sourcing: Reading and interpreting technical engineering drawings to ensure supplier capability.
- Specialist Materials: Sourcing and purchasing exotic materials and high-performance alloys (e.g., Inconel).
- End-to-End Procurement: Taking full responsibility for the "buy"—from initial sourcing and price negotiation to final delivery.
- Hands-on Expediting: Rolling up your sleeves to manage lead times, troubleshoot supply chain bottlenecks, and ensure we meet operational deadlines.
- Relationship Management: Building and maintaining "boots-on-the-ground" style relationships with overseas suppliers to ensure quality and resilience.
What You’ll Bring: We need someone who is as comfortable reading a technical blueprint as they are negotiating a high-value contract in a different time zone.
- The Technical Edge: A background in Mechanical Engineering is essential. You must be able to "speak the language" of our engineers and verify supplier capabilities.
- Global Procurement Expertise: Significant experience in overseas purchasing is a must. Deep knowledge of the Chinese manufacturing landscape is essential; experience with India is a major plus.
- The Negotiator: You are a proven negotiator who can balance cost-savings with the need for high-performance material integrity.
- Expediting Pro: You don’t wait for things to happen; you make them happen. You have a proactive approach to ensuring the supply chain moves at the speed of the business.
- Communication: Mandarin language skills are highly advantageous and will be a significant asset in this role.
What’s On Offer? We are a fast-growing leader in the engineering sector, valuing fast decision-making and technical excellence. You will have a direct impact on our growth and the freedom to shape our overseas supply route.
- A competitive salary that is negotiable based on skill and experience level.
- 31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) which increases with tenure.
- A company pension scheme to help you plan for the future.
- Medical cash plan benefits, covering essential healthcare costs such as dental treatment, check-ups, optical care, physiotherapy, and more.
- Long service awards, recognising your continued commitment.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support.
Senior Buyer Purchasing · Knutsford, UK - Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited employer: Oliver Valves Group
Contact Detail:
Oliver Valves Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer Purchasing · Knutsford, UK - Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company inside out, especially their procurement strategies and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your mechanical engineering background aligns with their needs, and don’t forget to brush up on your Mandarin if you can!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully negotiated deals or resolved supply chain issues. This is key for a role like Senior Buyer, so make sure you highlight these during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer Purchasing · Knutsford, UK - Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your mechanical engineering background and procurement experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Buyer role. Mention your experience with international procurement and any specific knowledge of the Chinese market.
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, include examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. We love seeing how you’ve balanced cost savings with quality materials in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss technical drawings and how they relate to supplier capabilities. This role demands a solid understanding of the materials you'll be sourcing, so don’t shy away from showcasing your expertise.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Prepare for scenarios where you might need to negotiate prices or terms with suppliers. Think about past experiences where you successfully negotiated deals and be ready to share those stories. Highlight your ability to balance cost savings with quality—this is crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited is looking for someone who takes initiative. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled supply chain challenges in the past. Share examples of how you’ve expedited processes or resolved bottlenecks to meet deadlines—this will demonstrate your hands-on approach.
✨Brush Up on Mandarin
If you have Mandarin skills, make sure to highlight them during the interview. Even if you're not fluent, showing that you’re willing to improve can set you apart. Understanding the language can significantly enhance your relationship management with Chinese suppliers, so don’t underestimate its value.
