Purchasing Engineer in Great Gransden

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Purchasing Engineer to join a growing manufacturing business. Due to continued growth, the successful candidate will play a key role in sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing technical materials, engineered components, and services to support production and engineering projects.

Working closely with engineering, production, quality, and group companies, you will ensure cost-effective procurement while maintaining quality standards, compliance, and on-time delivery.

Duties of a Purchasing Engineer:

• 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, monitoring supplier performance and driving 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 & safety regulations.
• Undertake any additional duties relevant to the role.

What we would like from you:

• Previous experience in an Engineering Buyer or Technical Buyer position within an engineering environment.
• 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 organised with excellent attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or a 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.

Key Competencies:

• Technical understanding
• Commercial awareness
• Supplier relationship management
• Negotiation skills
• Decision making
• Cost analysis
• Risk management
• Stock control and long lead-time planning
• Continuous improvement mindset

Benefits:

• Annual Bonus based on Company Performance
• 22 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (increasing to 26 days with service)
• Life Assurance
• Sick Pay Scheme
• Pension Scheme
• Workwear Provided
• Staff Meals & Company Events