Purchasing Coordinator

We are a growing and dynamic MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) supplier, delivering high-quality products and services to a wide range of industrial customers. With a strong focus on customer service, reliability, and efficiency, we are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Buyer / Purchasing Specialist to join our team, specialising in engineering products, MRO supplies, and obsolete or hard-to-source parts. The Role As a Buyer / Purchasing Specialist, you will play a key role in sourcing, purchasing and managing the supply of engineering components, MRO products and obsolete or difficult-to-source parts. You will be responsible for supplier sourcing, price negotiation, purchase order management, stock availability, and supporting customer requirements through accurate and timely procurement. This is a commercially focused role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced engineering supply environment, has strong supplier negotiation skills, and can confidently source both standard and obsolete parts from UK and international supply chains. Key Responsibilities * Manage day-to-day purchasing of engineering products, MRO supplies, consumables, PPE, tools, bearings, belts, transmission products and associated industrial components * Source obsolete, discontinued and hard-to-find parts through approved suppliers, alternative manufacturers, distributors and specialist networks * Raise, manage and expedite purchase orders to ensure accurate and timely delivery * Obtain quotations, compare supplier pricing and negotiate best value on cost, availability, lead time and quality * Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring high levels of service, reliability and responsiveness * Work closely with sales and operations teams to support customer enquiries, urgent requirements and project-based purchasing * Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternative sourcing options and improved purchasing routes * Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier and stock records within ERP or stock management systems * Support goods-in queries, delivery discrepancies, supplier returns and quality issues where required About You * Previous experience in a fast-paced purchasing, buying, procurement or technical sourcing role within an MRO, engineering, manufacturing or industrial supply environment * Strong technical understanding of engineering components, mechanical transmission products, bearings, belts, drive products and general MRO supplies * Experience sourcing obsolete, discontinued, legacy or hard-to-find parts is highly advantageous * Good commercial awareness with the ability to compare quotations, negotiate pricing and secure best value * Strong supplier management skills and confidence dealing with multiple suppliers and manufacturers * Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage urgent purchasing requirements * Confident communicator with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills * Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel * High attention to detail, accuracy and a proactive problem-solving mindset * Ability to work independently and as part of a wider sales, stores and operations team Desirable * Experience in supplier sourcing, vendor development and contract negotiation * Experience purchasing from UK, European and international suppliers * Ability to identify suitable alternatives or equivalents for obsolete or discontinued parts Experience: * Purchasing, buying or procurement experience: 1 year (preferred) * Engineering, MRO or industrial supply experience: 1 year (preferred) Licence/Certification: * Driving Licence (required)