Senior Buyer Purchasing

Oliver Valves Limited; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm based in Knutsford is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead international procurement operations, focusing on the Chinese market. This role involves developing procurement strategies, sourcing high-performance materials, and managing supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will possess a Mechanical Engineering background and significant experience in overseas purchasing, with Mandarin language skills highly advantageous. This position offers competitive salary, generous annual leave, and other employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

31 days annual leave including bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Medical cash plan benefits

Long service awards

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering background is essential.
• Significant experience in overseas purchasing required, especially in the Chinese market.
• Strong negotiation skills needed for high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategy for the Chinese market.
• Source exotic materials and high-performance alloys.
• Manage end-to-end procurement process from sourcing to delivery.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering background

Negotiation skills

Supply chain management

Mandarin language skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

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 Queens Award and more recently Kings 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

In this role, you won\'t just be managing a process; you’ll be driving the engine. You will be responsible for:

• 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?

We are a fast-growing leader in the engineering sector, valuing fast decision-making and technical excellence. You will have a direct impact on our growth and the freedom to shape our overseas supply route.

• 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.