Ref: SYN56404

Commodity Buyer

• Location England, South West, South Gloucestershire, Kingswood
• Sector AviationMechanicalManufacturingEngineeringAerospace
• Job type Permanent
• Salary £33000 - £35000 per annum

Engineering Commodity Buyer
Salary: £33-35k
Location: Bristol
Hours: 37 hours, Monday–Friday 
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-equipment–related 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.

Apply now