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 + 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