Engineering Commodity Buyer

Salary: 33-35k

Location: Bristol
Hours: 37 hours MondayFriday

Contract: Permanent

Position Summary

Syntech Recruitment are supporting a long standing client that are recruiting for a Commodity Buyer . You will be responsible for managing the procurement sourcing strategy and supplier performance of all calibration metrology and test-equipmentrelated services and products.

This role ensures that all instruments and equipment supporting manufacturing engineering and quality functions are sourced cost-effectively delivered on time and compliant with internal and external standards (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025).

The Commodity Buyer works closely with Quality Engineering Operations and Finance to maintain a robust supply base that supports business needs and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop implement and maintain a commodity strategy for calibration and metrology services including in-house and outsourced calibration.
• Source evaluate and negotiate with suppliers of calibration services test & measurement equipment gauges fixtures and metrology tools.
• Analyse spend data market trends and business requirements to drive savings supplier consolidation and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Identify and onboard ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration suppliers when required.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Maintain strong relationships with calibration labs equipment manufacturers and service providers.
• Monitor supplier performance (OTD quality pricing accreditation compliance).
• Conduct supplier reviews audits and corrective action follow-ups in collaboration with Quality teams.
• Resolve supplier-related issues including delays cost variances and quality non-conformances.

Operational Purchasing

• Raise purchase orders for calibration verification repair and replacement of metrology and test equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of calibration intervals certificates and compliance documents.
• Ensure timely scheduling of calibration activities and prevent overdue equipment.
• Work with Internal Calibration/Metrology teams to understand equipment demand obsolescence and replacement strategy.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all purchased services comply with industry standards (ISO/IEC 17025 AS9100 ISO9001).
• Review calibration certificates ensuring traceability to national/international standards (UKAS NIST).
• Support audits by providing evidence of supplier certification traceability and procurement controls.

Cost Management & Continuous Improvement

• Drive cost optimisation while maintaining or improving service quality.
• Support CAPEX proposals for new metrology equipment and tooling.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities relating to calibration processes supplier performance and equipment lifecycle management.
• Support Make-vs-Buy decisions for internal vs third-party calibration services.

Key Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Proven experience in purchasing or commodity management (ideally within calibration metrology electronics aerospace or precision manufacturing).
• Strong understanding of calibration principles metrology equipment and traceability requirements.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 ISO9001 and/or AS9100.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Strong analytical data-driven decision-making skills.
• Ability to read technical specifications equipment datasheets and calibration requirements.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools.

Desirable

• Experience with gauge R&R MSA (Measurement System Analysis) and equipment lifecycle management.
• Background in engineering quality electronics or test & measurement.
• CIPS qualification or progress towards CIPS certification.
• Experience managing UKAS-accredited calibration suppliers.

Personal Attributes

• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Proactive resourceful and able to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong relationship builder with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

Syntech Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers.