Technical Buyer – Bespoke Engineering Projects
📍 Preston
💰 £37,000-£40,000 + Bonus + Benefits
🏭 Precision Manufacturing & Engineering
A business built on precision, quality, and innovation
This company has been at the forefront of precision engineering and manufacturing for decades, supplying high-quality components and fluid transfer solutions to industries worldwide. Their reputation is built on engineering excellence, innovation, and customer focus, and they continue to invest in new technologies, people, and processes to stay ahead.
Their mission is simple: deliver high-quality, bespoke engineering solutions that keep industries moving. They take pride in their ability to solve complex challenges, whether that’s developing cutting-edge components or improving supply chain efficiency.
As they grow, they need a Technical Buyer who can help maintain the high standards they’re known for—someone who understands the complexities of bespoke manufacturing and can source, negotiate, and manage suppliers to keep projects on track.
This isn’t just procurement. It’s problem-solving.
Buying standard parts is easy. This isn’t that. This is about sourcing specialist materials and components for unique, one-off projects. It’s about understanding technical drawings, knowing where to find the right suppliers, and balancing cost, quality, and lead times to ensure every project runs smoothly.
You’ll be working closely with engineers, production teams, and suppliers, ensuring everything is on time, on budget, and exactly to spec. In this role, attention to detail and strong commercial acumen are just as important as supplier management skills.
What you’ll be doing:
🔹 Managing procurement for bespoke engineering projects, ensuring all materials and components are sourced efficiently and cost-effectively.
🔹 Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships—ensuring reliability, exploring cost-saving opportunities, and negotiating the best deals.
🔹 Using an MRP system to track inventory, manage stock levels, and ensure procurement aligns with production schedules.
🔹 Reviewing and interpreting technical drawings to ensure purchased components meet exact specifications.
🔹 Collaborating with engineering and production teams to ensure materials meet quality standards and CNC machining requirements.
🔹 Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, ensuring minimal disruption to projects.
🔹 Supporting continuous improvement in procurement processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve supplier performance.
🔹 Providing regular procurement updates in project meetings and ensuring deadlines are met.
🔹 Making smart commercial decisions around whether to source externally or manufacture in-house.
What you need to bring:
✔ 5+ years’ experience in a technical supply chain or procurement role.
✔ Manufacturing or engineering background (essential).
✔ Ability to read and interpret technical drawings—you need to know your way around specs and requirements.
✔ Strong negotiation and supplier management skills—you’ll be dealing with key suppliers daily.
✔ Proficiency in MRP systems and Microsoft Office—keeping track of stock levels and procurement activity is a big part of the role.
✔ Commercial acumen—understanding costs, margins, and how procurement impacts the business.
✔ CIPS qualification (or working towards it) preferred—but not essential if you’ve got the right experience.
What’s in it for you?
💷 Quarterly profit-related bonus – when the business does well, so do you.
🕒 Early finish on Fridays – because work-life balance matters.
🎂 Your birthday off – plus an extra holiday after 12 months.
📈 Holiday purchase scheme – buy up to 4 extra days if you need them.
💪 On-site gym with shower & changing facilities – no excuses now!
🚗 Free parking – no stress about finding a spot in the morning.
💡 A business that invests in its people – training, development, and opportunities to grow.
If you’re looking for a challenging, fast-paced procurement role where no two projects are the same, hit apply