Morgan McKinley
Senior Direct Buyer

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Direct Buying Specialist - £55,000 per annum plus benefits
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum plus benefits
Location: Based in either Didcot, Manchester or Stevenage
Employment Type: Full time, Permanent
Role Overview
An opportunity exists for a Direct Purchasing Specialist to join a fast growth and exciting brand in either Didcot, Manchester or Stevenage. You will manage direct component purchasing across key engineering projects. The position focuses on electronic direct buying and supplier management including components and PCB’s. This role can be based in either Didcot, Manchester or Stevenage.
Key Requirements
- Sound, proven working knowledge of working in the engineering sector, ideally within aerospace and defence, although all engineering backgrounds will be considered.
- Essential experience of working within electric component direct buying, in particular ECBs.
- Five years or more of procurement experience within technical or engineering environments.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, bills of materials, and engineering specifications.
- Hands on experience using enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Infor (or similar)
- Understanding of electronic component lifecycles and obsolescence management tools.
- Knowledge of quality management standards including ISO 9001 and AS9100.
- Awareness of export control and shipping regulations.
- Strong negotiation, administrative, and organisational skills.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Source, evaluate, and procure electronic components including printed circuit boards, semiconductors, connectors, and control boards.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to clarify requirements and identify suitable alternative components.
- Onboard and qualify new suppliers in compliance with quality standards and export control regulations.
- Maintain system data accuracy regarding pricing, lead times, and sourcing parameters.
- Lead purchase order negotiations to secure optimal value for money.
- Prepare proposals, work statements, and operational budgets.


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Benefits Package
- Competitive salary up to £55,000 per annum
- Private healthcare plan
- Pension scheme and life insurance
- Disability income protection
- Employee assistance programme
- Hybrid work model to support work and life balance
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