Value Engineering Buyer

Value Engineering Buyer – Leamington Spa

£45,000 + Bonus + 26 Days Holiday + 8 Bank Holidays
Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 17:00 | Friday 08:00 – 12:00
Private Medical (after qualifying period) + Death in Service (4x salary)
Permanent

A well‑established engineering manufacturer in Leamington Spa is looking to appoint a Value Engineering Buyer to join their procurement function. This newly refined role sits at the interface between Engineering and Purchasing, with a clear focus on design‑led and process‑led cost reduction across engineered components and assemblies. It is not a corporate purchasing role – you’ll be part of a close‑knit team where engineering input is valued and decisions are made quickly.

As a Value Engineering Buyer, you will work closely with both engineering teams and suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce total cost through improved design, material choice, manufacturing process and assembly methods. Rather than focusing purely on price negotiation, this role is about understanding how parts are designed and built, and challenging whether there is a more cost‑effective way to achieve the same outcome.

• Review engineering drawings and specifications to identify cost and manufacturability opportunities.
• Work with engineers to challenge over‑specification and design assumptions.
• Engage suppliers on alternative materials, processes and build approaches.
• Support prototype builds and engineering changes with a cost‑focused mindset.
• Lead VAVE‑style activity across machined parts, fabricated assemblies, hydraulics and metal components.
• Assess supplier capability, capacity and quality performance.
• Manage RFQs, quotations, lead times, tooling and commercial agreements.
• Resolve supply issues in collaboration with production and engineering.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with a stable UK supplier base.

This role does not require a traditional buying background. Suitable backgrounds include:

• Engineering Buyer / Technical Buyer with strong VAVE experience.
• Project, Design or Systems Engineer looking to move into a commercial / purchasing role.
• Buyer with strong engineering credibility and experience challenging design for cost.

You’ll ideally bring:

• A solid understanding of engineered components and assemblies (machining, fabrication, hydraulics, metalwork).
• Confidence reading and discussing engineering drawings.
• Experience working with suppliers on design, process or cost challenges.
• A practical understanding of manufacturing processes and cost drivers.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• A pragmatic, down‑to‑earth approach suited to an engineering environment.
• A formal engineering qualification is a bonus but not essential if you’ve gained relevant technical understanding through experience.

• Highly respected engineering employer with very low staff turnover.
• Competitive salary, bonus and strong benefits package.

If you’re looking for a role where you can influence design, drive value and work closely with engineering, this could be an excellent next step.