At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate technical materials to support engineering projects.
- Company: Join a growing manufacturing business in Sandy, Bedfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 22 days holiday, and potential for hybrid working.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exciting company events and staff meals.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
Role: Technical Buyer. Location: Sandy, Bedfordshire. Hours: Monday to Friday (Full-Time in office). Salary: £45,000 - £48,000.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technical Buyer to join a growing manufacturing business.
The successful candidate will source, negotiate, and purchase technical materials, engineered components, and services to support production and engineering projects, while ensuring cost-effective procurement, quality standards, compliance, and on-time delivery.
Work closely with engineering, production, quality, and group companies to support procurement activities and supplier management.
Responsibilities
- Source and procure engineered components, raw materials, tooling, and technical services from approved suppliers.
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate purchasing.
- Evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms to achieve best value.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, monitor supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement.
- Liaise with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure purchased items meet technical and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with group companies to secure volume pricing across high-spend material categories.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, including supplier performance, pricing, lead times, and inventory data.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier optimisation, value engineering, and alternative sourcing.
- Resolve supply chain issues, including delivery delays, quality concerns, and specification discrepancies.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by sourcing prototype materials and coordinating supplier involvement.
- Ensure compliance with company procedures, industry standards, and health and safety regulations.
- Undertake any additional duties relevant to the role as required.
Qualifications and experience
• What we would like from you
- Experience as an Engineering Buyer or Technical Buyer within manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics, or similar engineering environments.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering materials, and supply chain principles.
- Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and managing supplier relationships.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and procurement software.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, production, and quality departments.
- Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Preferred qualifications
- Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related discipline.
- CIPS qualification (or currently working towards).
- Experience of strategic sourcing, project-based procurement, or working with global suppliers.
- Knowledge of quality management systems and relevant industry regulations.
Benefits
- Annual Bonus based on Company Performance
- 22 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 26 days with service)
- Life Assurance
- Sick Pay Scheme
- Pension Scheme
- Workwear Provided
- Staff Meals & Company Events
- Potential for hybrid working once passed probation
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Technical Buyer in Bedford employer: Osborne Appointments
Join a well-established and growing business in Stevenage, where your administrative skills will be valued in a fast-paced office environment. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive salary packages and flexible working hours. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment with a company that prioritises its staff's well-being and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Buyer in Bedford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Osborne Appointments.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Buyer in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Osborne Appointments:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Osborne Appointments. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Osborne Appointments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Osborne Appointments
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Osborne Appointments!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Osborne Appointments. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Osborne Appointments's culture.
