Technical Engineering Buyer in London

Company: We are a family-owned Midlands based engineering manufacturing specialist supplying high integrity machined parts, assemblies and fabrications to the nuclear, defence, aerospace and energy sectors. It is important we continue to grow our business whilst retaining the family feel, living the Company values and developing our people ready for tomorrow's challenges. In order to do this successfully each and every member of the SPE work family must know, understand and be accountable for their part to play towards the collective success of the business. Investing in the latest technologies whilst developing and rewarding our teams will enable us to continue our 40-year heritage as part of the UK's critical supply chain. Everything SPE does either contributes directly to the defence of the British Isles, the energy markets of the world or the way we travel. Quality without compromise is the underpinning mantra of how we do business.

Summary and Main Purpose: The procurement of materials at an appropriate total cost and the management of supplier relationships including price negotiation, planning, production. Maintain purchasing KPIs. Your role as a Technical Buyer is to purchase and expedite goods and services, explore material alternatives based on material and drawing requirements, ensuring that the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at targeted budget. You may also be involved in transportation. Understanding the whole supply chain is important so that you can coordinate it effectively and liaise with suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for engineering materials and services, ensuring timely deliveries while adhering to budget constraints.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to determine procurement needs, specifications, and timelines for various projects.
• Maintain and analyse supplier performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and optimizing supplier relationships.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers, ensuring the best value for the company and compliance with quality standards.
• Verify that the purchase order data is correct before release to the customer.
• Assist in the development and implementation of purchasing policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist in forecasting demand to avoid stock shortages and excess inventory.
• Handle purchase orders, invoices, and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner in coordination with the finance department.
• Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and new technologies that may affect purchasing strategies and supplier choices.

Main Tasks:

• Supporting material and subcontract queries.
• Liaising with suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders in order to resolve any issues.
• Purchase goods, materials, components, or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets.
• Expediting purchase orders.
• Checking material offered against specification/drawing and offering alternatives if necessary.
• Supplier relationship management, negotiations and cost down activities including audits.
• Project management.
• Strong communication skills with internal key stakeholders.
• Supplier onsite and off-site visits.
• Verify that the Purchase order data is correct before release to supplier.
• NCR management.
• Invoice process support.
• Ensure all department procedures are adhered to in relation to Materials and Sub-Con, develop a tracking log of actions to be made visible to the logistics coordinator.
• Any other duties that may be required to support the needs of the department or business.
• Resolve any arising problems or complaints.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To ensure that all necessary documentation and records are correctly completed and filed.
• To maintain relationships with product, services, logistics suppliers and customer supply chain contacts.
• To monitor spend on product, packaging and logistics, including following the purchase order process.
• To continually improve the cost in use of materials, services and logistics.
• Expediting materials and subcontract services as and when required by production team.
• Ensure on site staff comply with required standards relevant to HSE and organise transport and overall logistics.
• Work with HRD to identify and appraise staff including talent spotting, mentor apprentices following structured development plan.

Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in similar role within Gas and Oil and/or Nuclear Defence sector.
• Previous experience with alloys and exotic materials.
• Previous experience with 3.1, 3.2 certs etc.
• CIPS level 3 or above.
• The ability to read and understand British and International standards, customer specifications and drawings.
• Good knowledge of engineering and subcontract processes i.e. NDE, Machining etc.
• ICT literacy to deal with various technologies and programmes.
• Attention to detail to ensure high levels of quality.
• The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with your team, managers and clients.
• The negotiation skills for getting materials within budget at the right time.
• The ability to work under pressure and multitask.
• A results-driven approach to work.
• The ability to work in a logical, systematic manner.

You will need to have:

• A logical and systematic approach to work.
• Good time management.
• The ability to solve problems and make decisions, as well as think laterally and offer creative solutions/alternatives within materials supply.
• Commercial awareness and numeracy skills.
• IT literacy and the ability to handle electronic data.
• The ability to be adaptable and responsive to changing demand.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team, as well as manage people.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Negotiation and analytical skills.
• A positive attitude to continued learning.