Engineering Buyer

Our client spun out from the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry in 2018 & already has over 100 global customers. A great team, significant funding & a truly global ambition place the company in a position for rapid growth. Joining at this stage of the company’s development represents an amazing opportunity to make an impact to technology, & to grow with the company. The role of Engineering Buyer will focus on the sourcing of products & services, using technical expertise & knowledge of global supply networks, to support New Product Development (NPD) projects during component selection & qualification, through to handover & standard production. The role offers technical support to the current product portfolio. Role: Engineering Buyer Location: Oxford (hybrid) Salary: Negotiable / DOE benefits Responsibilities Building & managing successful, long-term relationships with key suppliers & working closely with product development teams to provide technical expertise & support Analysis of technical specifications, BOMs, designs & engineering drawings from the Supply Chain perspective, ensuring alignment with supplier capabilities. Early evaluation of potential suppliers, parts or services Build & maintain strong, strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure a robust supply chain, with a focus on quality & cost-effective solutions Raise & issue RFP/RFI/RFQs & Purchase Orders, ensuring specification & requirements, delivery & lead time commitments are met, communicating with suppliers as required Support the Supplier Quality Management function with assessments, audits, component or process qualification (e.g. FIA). Support the current product portfolio from the supply chain perspective. Drive continuous improvement of sourcing practices & efficiencies Participate in detailed procurement planning to ensure timely selection & onboarding of suppliers & optimal scheduling of orders & commitments Negotiate contracts & supplier manufacturing & quality agreements, in coordination with the Supply Chain Manager Collect, monitor & analyse relevant Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data related to Supply Chain activities Qualifications & Experience Degree in an engineering or scientific discipline is desirable Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Procurement role within a multi-discipline supply chain function CIPS qualification (or equivalent) in procurement, business, or a related field A procurement expert with thorough knowledge of all aspects of sourcing, commercial negotiation, new supplier introduction, supplier management. Experience in a similar role within a growth business dealing in complex technology development & manufacturing Experience of working within quality management systems & standards such as ISO9001 Relevant experience in commodities Understanding of Procurement processes & NPD/NPI Ability to understand engineering drawings & technical specifications, particularly related to optical systems & electro-mechanical devices