Technical Buyer

Location: Sparkford

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.

This position plays a pivotal role in translating engineering and production requirements into robust procurement solutions, working closely with Production, Engineering, Finance, and Suppliers.

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

Essential

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