Value Engineering Buyer - Leamington Spa (Engineering / Supplier Value Focus) £45,000 + Bonus + 26 Days Holiday + 8 Bank Holidays Monday–Thursday 08:00–17:00 | Friday finish at 12:00 Private Medical (after qualifying period) + Death in Service (4x salary) Permanent | Highly rated local employer with exceptional retention A well-established engineering manufacturer in Leamington Spa is looking to appoint a Value Engineering Buyer to join their procurement function. This is a newly refined role, created to sit at the interface between Engineering and Purchasing, with a clear focus on design-led and process-led cost reduction across engineered components and assemblies. This is not a corporate purchasing role. You’ll be part of a long-standing, close-knit team where decisions are made quickly, engineering input is valued, and people stay for the long term. The Role As a Value Engineering Buyer, you will work closely with both engineering teams and suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce total cost through improved design, material choice, manufacturing process and assembly methods. Rather than focusing purely on price negotiation, this role is about understanding how parts are designed and built, and challenging whether there is a more cost-effective way to achieve the same outcome. You’ll be involved in: * Reviewing engineering drawings and specifications to identify cost and manufacturability opportunities * Working with engineers to challenge over-specification and design assumptions * Engaging suppliers on alternative materials, processes and build approaches * Supporting prototype builds and engineering changes with a cost-focused mindset * Leading VAVE-style activity across machined parts, fabricated assemblies, hydraulics and metal components * Assessing supplier capability, capacity and quality performance * Managing RFQs, quotations, lead times, tooling and commercial agreements * Resolving supply issues in collaboration with production and engineering * Building strong, long-term relationships with a stable UK supplier base This role will appeal to someone who enjoys being hands-on, asking the right questions, and influencing outcomes early in the design and development process. What You’ll Need to Be Considered This role does not require a traditional buying background. Suitable backgrounds include: * Engineering Buyer / Technical Buyer with strong VAVE experience * Project, Design or Systems Engineer looking to move into a commercial / purchasing role * Buyer with strong engineering credibility and experience challenging design for cost You’ll ideally bring: * A solid understanding of engineered components and assemblies (machining, fabrication, hydraulics, metalwork) * Confidence reading and discussing engineering drawings * Experience working with suppliers on design, process or cost challenges * A practical understanding of manufacturing processes and cost drivers * Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge constructively * A pragmatic, down-to-earth approach suited to an engineering environment A formal engineering qualification is a bonus but not essential if you’ve gained relevant technical understanding through experience. Why Join? * Highly respected engineering employer with very low staff turnover * Long-standing team with deep product and process knowledge * Modern, clean manufacturing environment * Early Friday finish every week * Genuine long-term progression and stability * Competitive salary, bonus and strong benefits package If you’re looking for a role where you can influence design, drive value and work closely with engineering, this could be an excellent next step. INDH