At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate technical components to support manufacturing operations.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing firm in Sparkford, Somerset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in ensuring production continuity and quality compliance.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a similar role with strong ERP/MRP experience.
- Other info: Collaborate with engineering teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Location: Full Time, Onsite in Sparkford, Somerset
Role Purpose: The Technical Buyer is a critical role within the organisation, responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring technical components, materials, and services to support manufacturing operations. The role ensures continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and alignment with production schedules through effective use of ERP and MRP systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Supplier Management: Source, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for technical, fabricated, and manufactured components. Negotiate pricing, lead times, commercial terms, and framework agreements to deliver cost reductions and improved service levels. Manage supplier performance, including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and compliance. Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships, including dual-sourcing and risk mitigation strategies. Resolve supply issues, shortages, and non-conformances in collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- ERP & MRP Management (Critical Requirement): Operate and maintain purchasing activities within ERP and MRP systems. Convert MRP signals into accurate purchase orders aligned with production schedules. Ensure system data integrity including lead times, MOQ, pricing, and supplier master data. Collaborate with Planning and Production teams to optimise material availability and inventory levels. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to system usage, automation, and reporting.
- Manufacturing & Fabrication Support: Procure machined, fabricated, and assembled components to engineering specifications. Interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation. Work closely with Engineering and Production teams to understand design intent, tolerances, and material requirements. Support new product introductions (NPI), prototype builds, and change management processes.
- Inventory & Cost Control: Manage inventory levels to balance working capital efficiency with production continuity. Identify opportunities to reduce excess stock, obsolete inventory, and long lead-time exposure. Track and report purchasing KPIs including cost savings, OTIF delivery, and supplier performance.
- Compliance & Governance: Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, and ethical sourcing standards. Maintain accurate documentation, audit trails, and supplier records.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a Technical Buyer, Manufacturing Buyer, or similar role.
- Proven experience working within manufacturing and/or fabrication environments.
- Strong hands-on experience with ERP and MRP systems (experience with systems such as SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Sage, or similar highly advantageous).
- Demonstrable experience procuring technical components, fabricated parts, or engineered materials.
- Ability to read and understand technical drawings and bills of materials.
- Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills.
Technical Buyer in London employer: Win Berry
Contact Detail:
Win Berry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Technical Buyer in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know in the field, the better your chances of landing that Technical Buyer role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your ERP and MRP knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've used these systems in past roles. Show them you can hit the ground running!
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications. A quick email or call can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. We love proactive candidates!
β¨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us not only gives you a better chance but also keeps you updated on any new opportunities that pop up!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Buyer in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Buyer role. Highlight your experience with ERP and MRP systems, as well as any relevant procurement and supplier management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier relationships. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role involves procuring technical components, make sure to showcase your understanding of technical drawings and BOMs. We want to know you can hit the ground running, so donβt hold back on your technical expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, itβs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Win Berry
β¨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of technical components and materials. Be ready to discuss your experience with ERP and MRP systems, as well as any specific software you've used like SAP or Oracle. This will show that youβre not just familiar with the role but also have the hands-on experience theyβre looking for.
β¨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where youβve successfully reduced costs or improved service levels. Think about how you managed supplier performance and resolved issues. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your capability in supplier management and negotiation.
β¨Understand the Companyβs Needs
Research the companyβs products and manufacturing processes. Knowing their specific challenges and how you can contribute to solving them will set you apart. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals, especially in terms of inventory management and compliance.
β¨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your ability to interpret technical drawings and BOMs. Brush up on your understanding of engineering specifications and be prepared to discuss how youβve supported new product introductions or change management processes in the past. This will highlight your practical experience in a manufacturing environment.