Technical Buyer

Procurement and Technical Buying, based at Balaena Tyne

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
Are you a practical, commercially minded procurement professional who thrives in a fast-moving, technical environment?
This is a rare opportunity to bring structure, commercial focus and technical judgement to a procurement role where your decisions will be seen, valued and relied onto keep ambitious marine and engineering projects moving.
Who are we?
Balaena is one of the UKs most ambitious maritime groups, with operations spanning Gibraltar, Padstow, Tyne, Birkenhead and Falmouth. You will be joining at a time of real growth and change, helping support projects that matter across ship repair, shipbuilding, marine engineering and commercial fabrication.
Our network of dry docks, fabrication facilities and specialist teams gives us strategic reach across the UK and the Mediterranean, and our procurement function plays a key role in keeping complex, fast-paced work moving safely, efficiently and commercially.
We respond quickly to defence and commercial requirements and deliver consistent quality and reliability to clients worldwide.
Working closely with customers, suppliers and internal teams, we use our in-house capability and supply chain relationships to deliver what is needed, as it is needed, when it is needed.
What will you be doing ?
This is a hands-on role for someone who can bring structure, pace and sound judgement to procurement and technical buying across ship repair, marine engineering and defence / commercial fabrication projects at Balaena Tyne.
You will help make sure the right materials, components and services are sourced at the right time, to the right specification and with the right commercial discipline, supporting urgent project-critical requirements and wider operational performance.
Source technically specified materials, components, and services from approved suppliers in line with project requirements.
Interpret drawings, specifications, and bills of materials to ensure accurate purchasing decisions.
Manage urgent and reactive purchasing needs to minimise operational delays and vessel downtime.
Build strong supplier relationships, negotiate commercial terms, and monitor supplier performance on cost, quality, and delivery.
Support procurement strategy, cost reduction, supplier rationalisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Coordinate with engineering, production, project, and commercial teams to align supply chain activity with operational priorities.
Maintain compliance with internal procedures and relevant regulatory, defence, and certification requirements.
Ensure procurement records, traceability, and supporting documentation are accurate and audit-ready.
Contribute to inventory, logistics, and material availability planning to meet project schedules.
Identify and mitigate supply risks, including alternative sourcing for critical or long-lead items.
Lead and develop the procurement function, setting clear expectations and promoting a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
What do we want to see in you?
Procurement experience in heavy engineering or similar sectors
Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications
Experience sourcing technical and engineered components
Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
Experience in fast-paced, project-led environments
Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement processes
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
CIPS Level 5 or Level 6 qualification (or equivalent).
Engineering background or relevant technical experience.
Experience supporting MOD or defence contracts.
Understanding of certification and traceability requirements within marine or defence environments.
Knowledge of classification societies such as Lloyds Register or DNV.
Why join us?
Personal Growth - This is an opportunity to make a real impact while working with and learning from experienced teams across marine, engineering, project delivery and commercial operations.
Financial Security - with important benefits like your Pension which includes a monthly employer contribution up to 4% and Life cover at 7 x your basic salary is part of your package.
Healthy Living - We support healthy living and provide help when its needed. To ensure that you are able to take time off when you need it, we offer sick pay and to cover everyday health we have a health cash plan, which gives you access to money back on everyday healthcare costs. Your dental, optical and physiotherapy as well as wellness services including counselling sessions, digital mental health support, 24/7 virtual GP, and an EAP are included.
Work-life Balance - We offer 25 days of annual leave per year plus Bank Holidays. Maternity, Paternity and Parental leave support you during those significant life changes, helping you to balance your family responsibilities with work.
Due to the nature of what we do for some of the customers that we work with, some roles working here are subject to security control restrictions. xwwtmva These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform with us.
You must also undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check before your employment starts, which will include a basic DBS check.