Engineering/Technical Buyer - 12 month FTC

About the Role

The role will focus on the sourcing of products and services, using technical expertise and knowledge of global supply networks, to support New Product Development (NPD) projects during the early stages of component selection and qualification, through to handover and standard production.

The role will also offer technical support to the current product portfolio, with respect to procurement and supplier management, supply chain security, ongoing supplier quality monitoring and continuous improvement of the supply chain function.

The post will require close liaison with internal and external stakeholders.

Please note this is a 12 month FTC to cover parental leave. 

Responsibilities

• Building and managing successful, long-term relationships with Refeyn’s key suppliers and working closely with product development teams to provide technical expertise and support with respect to supply chain activity during NPD/NPI from the early stages of component selection, through to production
• Analysis of technical specifications, BOMs, designs and engineering drawings from the Supply Chain perspective, to ensure alignment with supplier capabilities and maximize efficiency of the procurement process
• Early evaluation of potential suppliers, parts or services with respect to Supply Chain risks and opportunities
• Build and maintain strong, strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure a robust supply chain, and with a focus on quality and cost-effective solutions
• Raise and issue RFP/RFI/RFQs and Purchase Orders, ensuring specification and requirements, delivery and lead time commitments are met, communicating with suppliers as required
• Support the Supplier Quality Management function with assessments, audits, component or process qualification (e.g. FIA).
• Support the current product portfolio from the supply chain perspective in coordination with engineering teams
• Drive continuous improvement of sourcing practices and efficiencies
• Participate in detailed procurement planning to ensure timely selection and onboarding of suppliers and optimal scheduling of orders and commitments
• Negotiate contracts and supplier manufacturing and quality agreements, in coordination with the Supply Chain Manager
• Deliver reports and presentations as required to both internal and external stakeholders
• Collect, monitor and analyze relevant Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data related to Supply Chain activities
• Support the Supply Chain function with continuous supplier management activity such as onboarding, qualification, performance monitoring, improvement projects, offboarding

Qualifications

• Sound experience in a Procurement role within a multi-discipline supply chain function
• CIPS qualification (or equivalent) in procurement, business, or a related field is desirable 
• Degree in an engineering or scientific discipline is desirable.

Knowledge and Experience

• A procurement expert with thorough knowledge of all aspects of sourcing, commercial negotiation, new supplier introduction, supplier management.
• Experience in a similar role within a growth business dealing in complex technology development and manufacturing
• Experience of working within quality management systems and standards such as ISO9001
• Relevant experience in commodities
• Understanding of Procurement processes and NPD/NPI
• Ability to understand engineering drawings and technical specifications, particularly related to optical systems and electro-mechanical devices
• Analytical and reporting experience
• Proven team player who can work comfortably under pressure and to strict deadlines
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build solid working relationships with suppliers and internal customers
• Performance-driven, responsive, confident, and self-motivated with a strategic approach to problem solving

Location

• Full-time employee, based in Oxford (Littlemore)

Why work for Refeyn?

Compensation and core benefits

• We anticipate a salary between £50,000 and £56,000 for this role, depending on the candidate’s experience.
• 25 days annual leave per year in addition to bank holidays
• Up to 7% employer matched pension contribution
• Private health insurance from day one plus critical illness cover, income protection and life insurance
• Give as You Earn and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes.

Family Friendly Benefits

Refeyn offers the Enjoy Benefits Nursery Scheme to employees after 3 months, and new parents can benefit from up to 17 weeks fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, 4 weeks fully paid paternity leave, plus an annual allowance for emergency childcare.

Supporting your Development

All employees receive access to Linkedin Learning which offers thousands of courses to support their personal and professional development. We also run frequent training sessions on both hard and soft skills.

Creating an Engaging Culture

Refeyn supports hybrid working where the role allows and offers flexible start and finish times. We also have a subsidised weekly lunch for onsite employees and a vibrant social calendar which includes holiday parties and midsummer festivals plus an annual team budget for managers to plan team-building activities.