Engineering & Consumables Buyer
Location: Flint
Salary: £40,000-£50,000 + benefits
Contract: Permanent, full-time, onsite (hybrid possible after 3 months)
Start Date: January 2026
About the Company
My client is a global manufacturing leader, trusted by households and businesses around the world. Their focus is improving everyday health and wellbeing through innovative, sustainable products. They continue to invest heavily in their people, processes, and facilities - and are now looking for an experienced Engineering & Consumables Buyer to join their UK procurement team.
The Role
* Reporting to the Purchasing Director, you'll handle the procurement and replenishment of engineering parts and consumables across UK sites. Around 70% of your time will be spent managing engineering spares and components (covering £2m of rolling stock), with the remaining 30% covering consumables and service contracts.
* It's a hands-on buying role within a developing procurement function, working closely with the Engineering Manager, Factory Managers, and a set of preferred suppliers. You won't have direct reports, but you'll be supported by Stores Assistants who manage daily drawdowns based on the systems and structures you set up.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage purchasing and replenishment of engineering parts across £2m of continuous stock.
* Work with Engineering and Factory Managers on buying strategies, stock control, and obsolescence.
* Oversee procurement of key consumables, including H&S and general factory supplies.
* Manage service contracts (e.g., laundry, site support).
* Maintain strong relationships with preferred suppliers and develop alternatives where needed.
* Use in-house systems for purchasing, stock control, and reporting.
* Support long-term procurement strategy development.
* Ensure compliance with company policies, legislation, and H&S standards.
* Identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
* Travel to the Wigan site when required (usually a couple of times a month).
About You
We're looking for a proactive, commercially aware Buyer with solid experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
Essential:
* 5+ years' experience in procurement.
* Strong background in buying engineering parts and/or consumables.
* Experience managing service contracts.
* Good supplier relationship and negotiation skills.
* Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
* ERP/MRP experience (QAD/SAP/Oracle or similar).
* Confident communicator with strong stakeholder skills.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of IDhammar or similar maintenance systems.
* Experience developing procurement strategies.
* Background in food manufacturing, FMCG, or a regulated industry.
Growth & Development
There's room to grow, with potential future exposure to categories like chemicals, flexible packaging, and indirect spend. While progression isn't guaranteed, strong performance could open further opportunities.
Package & Benefits
* £45,000-£50,000 salary
* Up to 10% non-guaranteed bonus
* Employer pension starting at 5%, rising to 9% after 5 years
* Life insurance
* Employee Assistance Programme
* 24/7 GP access
* Additional employee perks