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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Oxford Ionics, a cutting-edge startup revolutionising quantum computing technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced leave, private medical insurance, and stock options.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of technology with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic purchasing, degree level education, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Oxford Ionics values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Quantum is now, and it\’s built here.
Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we\’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today\’s supercomputers cannot solve.
Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology – faster, at scale, and with real world impact.
What to Expect:
We are looking for a hands-on Procurement Buyer to join the Systems team at Oxford Ionics. In this role, you will be responsible for executing day-to-day procurement activities across engineering components and sub-assemblies, supporting both R&D programmes and the transition toward scalable manufacturing.
You will play a critical role in ensuring materials are available at the right time, cost, and quality, while maintaining strong supplier relationships and supporting accurate BOM and MRP workflows. This role is highly embedded within engineering and manufacturing teams and is essential to enabling delivery against the technical roadmap. You\’ll help shape the procurement processes and outputs that underpin the development of the world\’s most advanced quantum systems.
What you will be responsible for:
In this position, you will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and inventory stakeholders to ensure effective purchasing, supplier coordination, and material availability. You\’ll have the opportunity to directly impact programme delivery by improving procurement reliability, reducing bottlenecks, and freeing up senior technical teams to focus on next-generation system development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Execute end-to-end purchasing of engineering components and sub-assemblies, from requisition through to delivery
- Coordinate supplier communication, pricing, lead times, and call-offs to support R&D and manufacturing schedules
- Support BOM accuracy and maintenance in collaboration with engineering teams
- Work within existing MRP, Kanban, and inventory systems to support production and development workflowsManage RFQs, quotes, and supplier comparisons to ensure value for money
- Act as a first point of contact for procurement-related queries from internal stakeholders
- Provide hands-on support with stock coordination, kitting, and stores activities where required to unblock delivery
- Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes as the organisation scales
To be successful, you will need strong foundations in manufacturing procurement, with hands-on experience supporting engineering-led environments. We\’re looking for someone who can work at pace, communicate clearly with technical stakeholders, and translate requirements into effective purchasing actions.
You should be comfortable operating in a fast-moving, highly technical environment where priorities evolve and execution matters.
You\’d be a great fit if you have:
- At least 3 years\’ experience in a procurement or purchasing role within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong understanding of MRP systems and manufacturing procurement workflows
- Experience procuring electro-mechanical components or sub-assemblies
- Solid commercial awareness, including supplier negotiation and cost management
- Confidence working directly with engineers, production teams, and suppliers
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Comfort managing procurement data, documentation, and trackers
- Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
Desirable experience includes:
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
- MCIPS qualification or working towards certification
- Experience supporting pull-based or JIT supply chains
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings or technical specifications
- Exposure to regulated or high-complexity technical environments
Benefits
Be part of a team that\’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you\’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.
We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more.
Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing.
We\’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
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Contact Detail:
Oxford Ionics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in quantum technology and procurement best practices. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the quantum computing and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Oxford Ionics.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your strategic approach to procurement and contract negotiation. Highlighting your successes will give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Oxford Ionics thoroughly, including their products and recent developments. Tailoring your conversation to reflect your understanding of their mission and values can make a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in strategic purchasing and working with electro-mechanical assembly. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for quantum technology and your proactive approach to procurement. Mention specific examples of how you've optimised supplier relationships or improved procurement processes in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your experience with material requirements planning (MRP) and your ability to work from engineering drawings. Also, showcase your strong communication skills and commercial acumen, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in procurement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Ionics
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in strategic purchasing, especially if it relates to electro-mechanical assembly. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed procurement processes and supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Since the role involves working from engineering drawings and technical specifications, brush up on relevant technical knowledge. Be ready to explain how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, particularly in relation to material requirements planning (MRP).
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios
Given the importance of contract negotiation in this role, think of examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts. Be ready to discuss your approach and any challenges you faced during negotiations, as well as how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders
Exceptional communication skills are crucial for this position. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in previous roles. This could include internal teams or external suppliers, so think about different scenarios where your communication made a difference.
