At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Thriving environment for proactive individuals who enjoy solving complex challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy and supply chain performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
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?
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Buyer in Wellingborough
✨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 RML Group.
✨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 Senior Technical Buyer in Wellingborough
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 RML Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to RML Group. 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 RML Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at RML Group
✨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 RML Group!
✨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 RML Group. 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 RML Group's culture.
