Technical Buyer – Metal Powders & Critical Materials
Location: Oxford (up to 1 day from home/week)
Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 per annum + Excellent Benefits
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
A forward-thinking, technology-led manufacturer in the advanced materials sector is seeking a Technical Buyer to oversee the procurement of metal powders, critical production materials, and globally sourced components. This role plays a vital part in ensuring a secure, cost-effective and compliant supply chain, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term production strategy.
Ideal for someone with procurement experience in a manufacturing setting, particularly involving metals, powders or advanced components, the position requires strong commercial acumen, supplier management capability and the ability to coordinate international logistics within a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing and Supplier Management
Source and onboard suppliers for powders and production-critical inputs
Negotiate commercial terms and maintain supplier pricing and performance data
Support the development of dual-sourcing strategies and risk mitigation plans
Procurement and Inventory
Translate production schedules and MRP signals into timely purchase orders
Maintain accurate ERP data on lead times, costs and inventory parameters
Forecast demand in collaboration with planning and sales functions
Cost, Risk and Data Management
Monitor material, freight and inventory costs and identify efficiencies
Maintain supplier risk registers and ensure data accuracy across systems
Provide reporting dashboards to support production and commercial decisions
Logistics and Inventory Control
Oversee inbound shipments and international logistics, including customs compliance
Supervise goods-in processes, ensuring accurate receipt, traceability and stock control
Optimise packaging and documentation for export, aligning with client and regulatory requirements
Team and Process Leadership
Lead and support the Goods-In and Inventory function
Develop SOPs across procurement, inventory and logistics operations
Drive continuous improvement and cross-functional alignment with Engineering, Quality and Finance
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience and Skills
Procurement or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment
Background in powders, metals or technical materials (preferred)
ERP or MRP proficiency and strong data management discipline
Understanding of incoterms, customs and international logistics
Experience with traceability, batch control and quality systems
Confident in Excel; familiarity with Power BI and CIPS advantageous
Key Attributes
Proactive with a strong ownership mindset
Analytical and commercially aware
Collaborative and process-focused
Detail-oriented with a strong safety ethos
This is a high-impact role within a cutting-edge manufacturing environment. If you're looking to apply your procurement expertise in a technical and fast-moving setting, we encourage you to apply.
Cranleigh STEM is a specialist recruitment partner in STEM, Sustainability, and SHEQ. We work with innovative organisations and purpose-led professionals to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from advancing clean technologies to driving scientific discovery.
We understand that progress in these fields depends on people. Our role is to connect the right individuals with the right teams, whether that’s scientists in the lab, engineers on the ground, or leaders at the helm.
🚀 Our Mission
To support innovative organisations by delivering the talent they need to grow, evolve, and make a meaningful impact in their field.
🔎 Our Core Values
Challenge
We’re comfortable working in complex, technical spaces. We approach every brief with curiosity and care, asking the right questions to deliver people who can genuinely move your organisation forward.
Collaboration
We see recruitment as a partnership. That means open communication, transparency, and shared goals, whether you’re building a team or looking for your next role.
Commitment
We take pride in the work we do. We’re committed to high standards, long-term relationships, and doing what’s right for our clients, our candidates, and the industries we serve.
💡 Our Purpose
To contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future by helping organisations in science and technology attract and retain the talent they need to grow responsibly and with purpose.
🌍 Our Reach
Headquartered in South London, we work with clients and candidates across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
🔬 Areas of Expertise
Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Chemicals & Materials
Food Technology
Clean Technology
Electric Vehicles & Sustainable Engineering
If you're hiring or exploring your next move in STEM, we’re here to help.
