Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate
Travel: Office based role with occasional travel to China
Technical Requirement: Mechanical Engineering background (essential)
Language: Mandarin (highly advantageous)
Oliver Twinsafe Valves Limited is looking for a commercially sharp, technically minded Senior Buyer to take the lead on our international procurement operations.
While you’ll be a key part of our strategic thinking, this is a hands‑on role for a "doer" – someone who enjoys the “thrill of the deal” and wants to own the procurement strategy specifically for the Chinese market. You will be the primary link between our engineering requirements and our global supply chain, ensuring we source the highest quality materials at the most competitive prices.
About Us
With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth – as well as the coveted Queen’s Award and more recently King’s Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
What You’ll Be Doing
* China Strategy Ownership: Developing and executing a robust procurement strategy specifically for the Chinese market (and supporting our growth in India).
* Technical Sourcing: Reading and interpreting technical engineering drawings to ensure supplier capability.
* Specialist Materials: Sourcing and purchasing exotic materials and high-performance alloys (e.g., Inconel).
* End-to-End Procurement: Taking full responsibility for the "buy"—from initial sourcing and price negotiation to final delivery.
* Hands‑on Expediting: Rolling up your sleeves to manage lead times, troubleshoot supply chain bottlenecks, and ensure we meet operational deadlines.
* Relationship Management: Building and maintaining "boots‑on‑the‑ground" style relationships with overseas suppliers to ensure quality and resilience.
What You’ll Bring
We need someone who is as comfortable reading a technical blueprint as they are negotiating a high‑value contract in a different time zone.
* The Technical Edge: A background in Mechanical Engineering is essential. You must be able to "speak the language" of our engineers and verify supplier capabilities.
* Global Procurement Expertise: Significant experience in overseas purchasing is a must. Deep knowledge of the Chinese manufacturing landscape is essential; experience with India is a major plus.
* The Negotiator: You are a proven negotiator who can balance cost‑savings with the need for high‑performance material integrity.
* Expediting Pro: You don’t wait for things to happen; you make them happen. You have a proactive approach to ensuring the supply chain moves at the speed of the business.
* Communication: Mandarin language skills are highly advantageous and will be a significant asset in this role.
What’s On Offer?
* A competitive salary that is negotiable based on skill and experience level.
* 31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) which increases with tenure.
* A company pension scheme to help you plan for the future.
* Medical cash plan benefits, covering essential healthcare costs such as dental treatment, check‑ups, optical care, physiotherapy, and more.
* Long service awards, recognising your continued commitment.
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support.
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