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- 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, generous leave, pension scheme, and healthcare benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing company and shape overseas supply routes.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering background and significant overseas purchasing experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and recognition through long service awards.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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. 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.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience with exotic alloys and your track record in China-based procurement.
Senior Buyer employer: Oliver Valves Ltd
Contact Detail:
Oliver Valves Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited, their products, and their market position. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨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, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising your negotiation skills. Since this role requires a strong ability to negotiate, think of scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated tough discussions and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Oliver Twinsafe Valves.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your mechanical engineering background and any experience you have with procurement in China. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your experience with exotic alloys and your track record in China-based procurement. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for this hands-on role.
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, don’t forget to mention specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love to see how you balance cost-savings with high-performance material integrity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge and be ready to discuss technical drawings. This role requires a solid understanding of engineering principles, so being able to speak the language will impress your interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you balanced cost savings with quality. Highlight your experience in sourcing exotic materials and how you’ve successfully navigated complex procurement scenarios, especially in the Chinese market.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactivity
Be ready to share instances where you took the initiative to resolve supply chain issues or expedite processes. This role is all about making things happen, so showcasing your proactive approach will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Brush Up on Mandarin
If you have Mandarin skills, don’t hesitate to mention them! Even if you're not fluent, showing that you’re willing to improve can set you apart. It’s a significant asset for this role, so make it known during your interview.
