Direct line jobs in BedfordCreate job alerts

The Company A well-established engineering business specialising in the design and manufacture of bespoke machinery is seeking an Engineering Buyer (FTC) to join their team for a 12-month fixed-term contract. Role Overview This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Engineering Buyer to support the purchasing function during a 12-month maternity cover period. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing and procuring machined components and a range of direct materials, ensuring that quality, cost, and delivery targets are met in line with project requirements. You’ll play a key role in developing supplier relationships, implementing new procurement strategies, and supporting wider business initiatives across 2026. This position offers the opportunity to make a real impact on supply chain performance and continuous improvement initiatives within the organisation. This role is open to both full-time and part-time applicants, with a minimum of 27.5 hours per week or 4 days per week considered. Key Responsibilities • Source, negotiate, and purchase materials and components in line with project deadlines and budgets., • Ensure all externally sourced materials meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives., • Interpret MRP, BOMs, and engineering drawings to raise accurate purchase requirements., • Request and analyse quotations, select suppliers, and negotiate competitive pricing., • Manage supplier relationships to drive performance and ensure on-time delivery., • Raise and expedite purchase orders to maintain smooth production flow., • Work with finance to resolve invoice and pricing discrepancies., • Support engineering and design teams with new product development and prototype builds., • Contribute to cost analysis and quotation support for new business opportunities., • Drive supplier performance improvements and maintain supplier KPIs., • Support purchasing process improvements to enhance efficiency across the department. The Candidate Proven purchasing experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of engineering drawings and manufacturing processes. Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems. Strong negotiation and communication skills. Commercially and contractually aware. Full UK driving licence. Package & Benefits Salary will be discussed on the call with Mansell Recruitment Group. Early finish on Fridays — 37-hour working week (Mon–Thurs: 8:00–4:30, Fri: 8:00–1:00) 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees) Company life insurance (6x salary) 5% employer pension contribution Access to an independent financial adviser

The Company and the Role Our client is seeking a Technical Support Engineer to join their expanding Service and Automation team. This is a newly created position designed for an experienced engineer with a strong background in special-purpose or automated machinery, who also enjoys problem-solving and supporting customers. The role would be ideal for a Commissioning or Service Engineer looking to move into a more office-based, customer-focused environment, or for someone currently in a technical support or supervisory role who wants to continue using their hands-on expertise without direct team management responsibilities. As the key point of contact for customers, you’ll be responsible for diagnosing and resolving technical issues remotely, maintaining high levels of service, and developing technical documentation, training materials, and knowledge resources to support both internal teams and external clients. Responsibilities • Act as the first line of technical support for customers experiencing equipment issues, • Provide remote assistance for mechanical, electrical, and control system faults., • Carry out initial fault diagnosis using remote PLC connections and other diagnostic tools., • Recommend corrective actions for faults and breakdowns on bespoke automated machinery., • Manage customer communications through various channels, including phone, email, and service portals., • Handle cases from start to finish, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction., • Support field service engineers with troubleshooting and technical advice when required., • Maintain customer relationships throughout installation, maintenance, and repair activities., • Create and update service manuals, technical documents, and support materials., • Log and track all technical cases within the company’s CRM or ticketing system., • Identify and report recurring issues to the engineering team for future design improvements., • Contribute to and manage a technical knowledge base or wiki to streamline future support efforts. Experience and Skills Qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (HNC, HND, or equivalent). Proven background working with automated machinery or complex mechanical/electrical systems. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, hands-on mindset. Confident in reading and interpreting technical drawings and electrical schematics. Familiar with ERP and CRM systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear, structured technical documentation. Desirable Previous experience in a technical support or service engineering position. Background in automation, robotics, packaging, or bespoke manufacturing machinery. Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and control systems. Experience delivering technical training or customer demonstration Salary Salary will be discussed with your consultant during your call. We operate and advertise as an Employment Agency for permanent positions and as an Employment Business for contract/temporary roles.

CNC Manufacturing Team Lead Ampthill, Bedfordshire Great salary, BUPA, benefits 4 Day Work Week option Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is a rapidly changing, dynamic part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation with both domestic and international customers. It consists of business areas focusing on Platform Integration, Ground Based Air Defence, Special Projects and Weapons, which provide a variety of products and services to the Ministry of Defence and other customers. We are looking for talented individuals to join the company, in return we offer an exciting and challenging career path and excellent work/life balance with a 4 day week (Mon-Thurs) and flexible working arrangements. We offer 37.5 hours per week and there are no night shifts or non-standard hours involved. The role: We are seeking an experienced CNC Engineer & Manufacturing Team Leader. You will lead a small team of CNC Engineers working on several programmes including our prestigious Specia Projects Division. Experience required: • Low volume High cost environment focusing on critical hardware and R&D within a CNC machining environment, • Demonstration of both CNC experience and leadership qualities., • Recognised apprenticeship or experience required., • A high level of health and safety awareness, • Manage day to day activity of up to 10 direct reports, • Collaboration with other Team leads within manufacturing, • Facility ownership, • Manage KPI metrics for safety, quality, schedule, cost and delivery, • Provide technical support where necessary to achieve cost, quality and delivery objectives, • Liaise with materials, planning and quality to drive on time delivery, • Liaise with Engineering and design to improve manufacturing methods and procedures, • Liaise with support functions to drive cost, quality and delivery objectives, • Mentor, train and develop others in line with skills matrix and personal development plans, • Drive problem solving activity to solve assembly, test and build problems, • Drive continuous improvement activity to meet cost reduction objectives, • Ability to prioritise and schedule work load in order to meet all programme deliverable commitment and timelines, • Drive 6 ‘S’ and lean manufacturing activity and FOD control. Required skills, qualifications and experience: • Responsible for the day-to-day management of skilled operatives including line efficiency, quality, operator training, development and the welfare of staff., • You will also assist team members when process abnormalities occur and support operators when they leave the line temporarily., • May also be responsible for shift communication meetings., • Minimum 2-3 years’ manufacturing and/or production experience, • Proven background in CNC Machining, particularly with 5 Axis., • Skille in Fanuc, Heidenhain or Siemens CNC Machining Systems Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact or call 02392415270

Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed i

Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people.

Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. Here at Direct Line Group Auto Services, we genuinely care about what we do and aim to.

Here at Direct Line Group Auto Services, we genuinely care about what we do and aim to. Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people.