Senior Technical Buyer
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Technical Buyer to join our Procurement team and play a key role in driving and improving the way procurement is delivered across the business.
Working closely with Engineering, Planning, Operations and suppliers, you will lead technical procurement activities to ensure operational and project requirements are delivered to the required cost, quality, quantity and timescale.
This is a hands-on, technically focused role that will suit someone with strong engineering procurement experience, excellent commercial awareness and the ability to build effective relationships across a fast-paced supply chain environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage daily Team Workbench, Resource and Requisition activity, analysing demand and interpreting engineering drawings to understand manufacturing requirements and processes.
- Attend design reviews and champion Early Buyer Involvement (EBI), providing technical procurement input to support product selection, manufacturability and supplier capability.
- Lead and support sourcing activities for new projects from concept through to completion, ensuring a capable and high-performing supply chain is established.
- Source and negotiate with suppliers, applying procurement policies and demonstrating strong commercial and financial awareness.
- Identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities without compromising product integrity, quality or delivery.
- Identify, develop and champion new suppliers to support business objectives and improve supply chain performance.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Manage Engineering Release notifications efficiently and provide suppliers with open-order reports and relevant updates.
- Proactively identify, escalate and manage risks to production, including supplier capacity, lead-time constraints, global shortages and factory shutdowns.
- Manage supplier performance in collaboration with Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA), ensuring project risks are mitigated ahead of delivery and developing improvement plans for underperforming suppliers.
- Manage NCRs, supplier returns and rework requests in accordance with company processes.
- Support the wider Procurement team and provide mentoring and guidance where required.
- Promote a positive and professional profile for the Procurement function across the business.
- Ensure all relevant health and safety requirements are followed.
About You
We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded procurement professional who can combine technical understanding with strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
You will ideally have:
- Proven experience in motorsport, automotive, engineering procurement or operations, with a strong understanding of the commercial environment.
- The ability to read and understand technical/engineering drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Previous experience of leading or managing a team.
- CIPS Level 4, or currently working towards it, or an equivalent HNC/HND qualification would be advantageous.
- Proven experience negotiating quotations and contracts with suppliers and manufacturers across a diverse supply chain.
- Experience managing suppliers and procurement activity within short lead-time environments.
- Experience using MRP/ERP systems.
- Experience working effectively within cross-functional teams.
Key Skills & Attributes
- A tenacious “Can Do” attitude with the confidence and persuasion skills to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Strong negotiation and commercial awareness.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a demanding workload.
- A proactive approach to identifying and overcoming challenges.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to following robust processes.
- Flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Highly motivated, hands-on and willing to get involved throughout the procurement process.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Able to work independently, use initiative and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
What You'll Bring
This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, technically demanding environment and enjoys solving complex procurement challenges. You will have considerable autonomy, while working closely with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver against challenging targets.
You will be comfortable managing competing priorities, influencing others and making commercially sound decisions where quality, cost and delivery are critical.
Why Join Us?
As Senior Technical Buyer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on procurement strategy and supply chain performance, while working closely with Engineering, Planning, Operations and a diverse supplier network.
If you're an experienced technical procurement professional looking for a role where your commercial expertise, engineering knowledge and leadership skills can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Technical Buyer in Wellingborough employer: RML Group
RML Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a strategic Head of Supply Chain to thrive. With a commitment to continuous improvement and employee development, you will have access to unique growth opportunities in a fast-paced engineering environment, all while contributing to cutting-edge technology and manufacturing excellence. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our supply chain capabilities and the future success of the organisation.
