Position: Junior Buyer
Location: Knutsford (on-site)
Contract: Permanent, Mon – Fri 08:30-17:00
Package: £26-30k depending on experience + Benefits Package
Kick-start your career in procurement as a Junior Buyer with Oliver Valves, supporting global supply chains and developing expertise in sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management
About Us
Oliver Valves and Oliver Twinsafe are global leaders in valve technology, supplying high-quality engineered solutions across multiple industries. We pride ourselves on innovation, reliability, and strong partnerships with our customers. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a motivated Junior Buyer to join our Purchasing team and develop their career in procurement and supply chain management.
The Role
As a Junior Buyer, you will work closely with Buyers and Senior Buyers to gain hands-on experience across all aspects of the purchasing function. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your knowledge of procurement, supply chain management, and vendor relationships within an engineering and manufacturing environment.
Key learning and development areas include:
Supporting the purchasing function across Oliver Valves and Oliver Twinsafe.
Developing skills in sourcing key commodities such as bar, forgings, and fasteners at competitive prices while maintaining quality.
Learning effective negotiation techniques to reduce costs and optimise supplier performance.
Understanding and applying quality and specification standards.
Gaining insight into supply and demand planning for key commodities.
Ensuring the availability of materials to meet internal and external customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
You will support the Buyers and Senior Buyers with tasks including (but not limited to):
Managing supply chain on-time delivery performance in line with departmental KPIs.
Updating inventory strategies to improve sales, maximise cash flow, and manage stock levels.
Evaluating, selecting, and recommending new vendors.
Ensuring supply chain resilience and mitigating risks.
Negotiating favourable prices and terms with suppliers.
Building and maintaining strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.
Maintaining accurate ERP system data.
Monitoring market trends and identifying risks in sourcing key commodities.
Resolving vendor disputes and commodity-related issues.
Analysing and minimising the total cost of acquisition on procured parts.
Assisting in the development of new supply chains, both domestic and overseas (e.g., China).
Preferred Skills & Experience
Previous experience in a purchasing role within an engineering/mechanical environment.
Machine shop experience (highly desirable).
Confident negotiation and communication skills with vendors and stakeholders.
Strong analytical and organisational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Knowledge of metals and related technical standards/specifications.
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments.
Understanding of material costs and total cost of acquisition.
What We Offer
Competitive salary and benefits package for an entry level role. Includes Medi-cash health plan, Life Assurance x 2 basic salary, Pension, and long service awards.
31 days leave (includes bank holidays). This increases with service.
Opportunity to develop a long-term career within a global engineering business.
Training, mentoring, and support from experienced Buyers and Senior Buyers.
Exposure to international supply chains and global sourcing