Buyer / Storesperson

Swanengineering; Scotland; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Scotland is seeking a Stores Person and Buyer to manage inventory and materials for efficient production. You will support procurement, ensure materials are available on time, and maintain supplier relationships. Ideal candidates will have experience in stores management, strong attention to detail, and the ability to operate forklifts. Pay starts at £14.75 per hour for this full-time role, working Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Stores and/or Buyer experience in a previous role.
• Valid UK driving licence required.
• Recent experience of loading/unloading using a forklift.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory and supplier orders.
• Ensure timely material availability for production.
• Liaise with procurement and operations for efficiency.

Skills

Stores and/or Buyer experience

Attention to detail

Proactive attitude

Knowledge of steel/metal material specification

Forklift operation

Computer database experience

Ability to manage inventory

Job description

Stores Person and Buyer

Swan Engineering Ltd specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of high-quality processing and handling equipment. Using advanced CNC machinery and 3D CAD designs, the company ensures precision and efficiency, reducing costs for its clients. While mainly catering to the food production industry in Scotland, Swan Engineering also serves the waste/recycling, agricultural, and transportation sectors, with a growing presence across the UK and Europe. The company delivers end-to-end solutions, from concept to after-sales support, and offers same-day or next-day delivery for spare parts through trusted suppliers.

Role Purpose:

To manage inventory, materials, supplier orders, and goods flow to support efficient production and site work. Ensures materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and with the correct specification. Acts as the operational link between procurement, stores management, and the production schedule.

Scope:

• Owns stock control and physical stores organisation.
• Places purchase orders within delegated authority.
• Supports the schedule by ensuring materials arrive on time.
• Manages incoming and outgoing goods.
• Assembles job packs/stillages of parts required.
• Provides accurate data to GM and Ops Assistant for procurement planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement Support & Purchasing
• Source and order materials based on bill of materials or purchase requests.
• Verify specifications against drawings or bill of materials.
• Maintain supplier relationships and obtain competitive pricing.
• Work within delegated purchasing limits; elevate larger spends to GM.
• Proactively establish and review suppliers to ensure best value.
• Maintain organised, accurate, and safe store areas.
• Carry out stock checks and replenish based on minimum stock levels.
• File all related paperwork e.g. delivery notes etc.
• Ensure paperwork relating to steel / product traceability and documentation for BS EN 1090 and ISO 9001 is handled correctly.
• Material Flow & Job Readiness
• Prepare kitted materials for jobs in line with the project schedule.
• Work closely with Scheduling Chargehand to align material availability with workflow.
• Stage materials for fabrication, assembly, and site operations.
• Goods Inward & Documentation
• Receive, inspect, and process delivered goods.
• Check conformity, quantities, and certification.
• Report discrepancies or damage promptly.
• Operational Coordination
• Liaise with Operations Assistant to forecast purchasing needs based on forward workload.
• Communicate material delays, shortages, or supplier issues so the schedule can be adjusted if required.
• Support QMS through accurate records of orders, certificates, and stock.
• Identify inefficiencies in stock layout, purchasing cycles, or material flow.
• Suggest pragmatic improvements for store layout, labelling, or process.
• Contribute to standardisation of procurement and store procedures.
• General Duties
• Unload large deliveries e.g. steel – using Forklift – and store on dedicated racks. (Training will be provided where required).
• Assist with other duties where required. E.g. delivery of goods to local customers, or collection of urgent supplies locally.
• Ensure housekeeping standards of the store areas.
• Stores and/or Buyer experience in a previous role
• Have a valid UK driving licence.
• Have knowledge and experience using computer databases, email, etc.
• Have good attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records.
• Must be proactive and take ownership of the role, improvements and efficiencies.
• Experience in a buyer role within the fabrication industry.
• Knowledge of steel / metal material specification and standards
• Have a valid forklift licence or recent experience of loading/unloading using forklift.
• Experience relating to material traceability procedures.

Working hours are Monday to Friday - 40hrs.

Pay is dependent on experience and skillset, however the starting point for negotiation is around £14.75 p/h.