Technical Buyer
Location: Swindon
Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week) but we can be flexible for the right person!
Join Our Growing Team
Due to recent business expansion and growth, we are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Technical Buyer to join our busy, family-run business.
This is a key role within our organisation, responsible for sourcing products, negotiating supplier agreements, managing purchasing activities and ensuring our customers receive the right products at the right time and at the right price.
Success in this role requires more than purchasing experience. We are specifically looking for someone with industry knowledge who understands engineering, industrial and technical products and can confidently source solutions to meet customer requirements.
With our support and your ambition, you'll have every opportunity to grow your skills, gain qualifications and build a rewarding career within a supportive, friendly team.
About Us
Established in 2007, SBL Services is a family-run business entering an exciting new phase of growth and expansion.
Our purpose is simple: to help people. We do this through our technical expertise, reliable service and genuine commitment to our customers—values that sit at the heart of everything we do.
We supply specialist products and services to customers across a range of engineering, manufacturing and industrial sectors, building long-term relationships through exceptional service and technical knowledge.
Learn more about us at www.sblservices.co.uk.
The Role
Working closely with our sales and operations teams, you will take ownership of purchasing activities across the business, ensuring products are sourced efficiently, competitively and in line with customer requirements.
You will build strong supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms and continually seek opportunities to improve service levels, costs and supplier performance.
This role combines technical product knowledge, commercial awareness and strong relationship management skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Source products, materials and technical solutions to meet customer requirements.
- Understand purchasing requirements for key customer accounts.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.
- Negotiate pricing, delivery charges, lead times and commercial agreements.
- Evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Provide updates to sales teams regarding order progress and supplier commitments.
- Monitor market trends, product developments and competitor activity.
- Research and introduce new suppliers, products and opportunities.
- Understand compliance, safety and logistical requirements for purchased products.
- Produce meaningful purchasing reports and recommendations.
- Support stock management and purchasing strategies where required.
- Implement and improve purchasing processes and controls.
- Stock purchasing and inventory management experience.
- Work collaboratively across sales, warehouse and management teams.
About You
We are specifically looking for someone with experience within the engineering, industrial or manufacturing supply sector.
Industry knowledge is essential for success in this role.
You will understand technical products, supplier networks and the challenges involved in sourcing specialist items for industrial customers.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience in a Buyer, Technical Buyer or Purchasing role.
- Industry experience within engineering supplies, industrial distribution, manufacturing or a related technical sector.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Commercial awareness and cost-control experience.
- Ability to interpret technical requirements and source appropriate products.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organisational and analytical abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and purchasing systems.
What's in it for You?
- Competitive salary.
- Monthly discretionary bonus scheme.
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Additional annual leave through our loyalty programme.
- Training, development and professional qualifications supported by the business.
- Company pension scheme.
- Supportive, fun and friendly team culture.
- Regular team social events and seasonal gifts.
- Monthly recognition awards.
- Fleet vehicles available for business use when required.
- Uniform and PPE provided.
Why Join SBL Services?
We're proud of our people and the culture we've built. As a family-run business, we believe in supporting our team, recognising achievement and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
If you have industry knowledge, strong commercial instincts and enjoy building supplier relationships whilst making a genuine impact on business performance, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
