Technical Buyer

Technical Buyer – Metal Powders & Critical Materials

Location: Oxford (up to 1 day from home/week)
Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 per annum + Excellent Benefits
Type: Full-Time, Permanent

A forward-thinking, technology-led manufacturer in the advanced materials sector is seeking a Technical Buyer to oversee the procurement of metal powders, critical production materials, and globally sourced components. This role plays a vital part in ensuring a secure, cost-effective and compliant supply chain, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term production strategy.

Ideal for someone with procurement experience in a manufacturing setting, particularly involving metals, powders or advanced components, the position requires strong commercial acumen, supplier management capability and the ability to coordinate international logistics within a fast-paced environment.

• Source and onboard suppliers for powders and production-critical inputs
• Negotiate commercial terms and maintain supplier pricing and performance data
• Support the development of dual-sourcing strategies and risk mitigation plans

• Translate production schedules and MRP signals into timely purchase orders
• Maintain accurate ERP data on lead times, costs and inventory parameters
• Forecast demand in collaboration with planning and sales functions

• Monitor material, freight and inventory costs and identify efficiencies
• Maintain supplier risk registers and ensure data accuracy across systems
• Provide reporting dashboards to support production and commercial decisions

• Oversee inbound shipments and international logistics, including customs compliance
• Supervise goods-in processes, ensuring accurate receipt, traceability and stock control
• Optimise packaging and documentation for export, aligning with client and regulatory requirements

• Lead and support the Goods-In and Inventory function
• Develop SOPs across procurement, inventory and logistics operations
• Drive continuous improvement and cross-functional alignment with Engineering, Quality and Finance

• Procurement or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment
• Background in powders, metals or technical materials (preferred)
• ERP or MRP proficiency and strong data management discipline
• Understanding of incoterms, customs and international logistics
• Experience with traceability, batch control and quality systems
• Confident in Excel; familiarity with Power BI and CIPS advantageous

• Proactive with a strong ownership mindset
• Analytical and commercially aware
  
  Collaborative and process-focused
• Detail-oriented with a strong safety ethos