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- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and develop strategies for sourcing materials in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Dynamic start-up in the aerospace and defence sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible travel, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make a real impact in the aerospace industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with experience in start-ups or scale-ups preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on continuous improvement and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge – with flexible travel across the UK and Europe
Job Type: Full time
Industry: Aerospace/Defence | Start-ups & Scale-ups
Reports to: Head of Manufacturing
The ideal candidate will have experience coming through the ranks from a manufacturing environment, keeping track of their career through buying, purchasing, procurement and ideally has good knowledge of the whole manufacturing process, or is a qualified engineer themselves. You will have a good understanding of budgeting, commercials, forecasting, and a bonus if you have come from a start-up or scale-up company, ideally from automotive, aerospace or electronic component manufacturing.
We are seeking an experienced Procurement buyer to assist managers with our end-to-end supply chain function. The successful candidate will bring hands-on experience in purchasing, buying and procurement ideally from a technical engineering sector.
Key Responsibilities- Procurement Management (Direct & Indirect): Lead sourcing and procurement activities for direct materials, indirect goods, and services. Develop procurement strategies that align with company goals, budget constraints, and regulatory compliance.
- Supplier Management: Assist with supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing performance management. Help with long-term and short-term commercial negotiations to secure competitive pricing and strong service-level agreements.
- Cost Optimisation: Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, demand management, and process efficiency.
- Forecasting & Planning: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop accurate demand forecasts and ensure material availability. Integrate forecasting into procurement and stock planning systems to support operational continuity.
- BOM Analysis & Alignment: Conduct deep-dive analysis of Bills of Materials to optimise sourcing and validate costing accuracy. Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to support product lifecycle requirements.
- Inventory & Stores Control: Oversee all aspects of inventory management, including stock accuracy, safety stock, and turnover. Implement robust stores control procedures and continuous improvement measures.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure adherence to applicable industry standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100, ISO, MOD/defence procurement protocols).
- Essential: 5+ years of progressive buying, procurement, supply chain experience. Strong background in start-up and scale-up environments. Industry expertise in defence, automotive, and/or aerospace sectors. Track record in direct and indirect procurement, supplier management, negotiation, and cost optimisation. Experience in forecasting, BOM analysis, stock management, and stores operations.
- Desirable: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, APICS, Lean Six Sigma). ERP/MRP system proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
- End-to-end procurement
- Supplier development and management
- Inventory planning and stores control
- BOM analysis and cost control
- Process design and operational scaling
Procurement Buyer employer: Chase Global
Contact Detail:
Chase Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially those who work in procurement. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your hands-on experience in procurement and supplier management. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've optimised costs and improved processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research the companies you're interested in and understand their procurement strategies. When you apply through our website, make sure to align your skills and experiences with their needs. This shows that you’re not just another applicant but genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you note. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and remind them of your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it shows you’re professional and keen on making a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Buyer role. Highlight your experience in buying, procurement, and any relevant industry knowledge, especially in aerospace or defence. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how they relate to our needs at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your key skills in procurement management, supplier negotiation, and cost optimisation. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise in these areas, so make sure they stand out in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chase Global
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the aerospace and defence sectors. Understand the end-to-end supply chain process and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you secured competitive pricing or improved service-level agreements, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
✨Understand Cost Optimisation Strategies
Be ready to talk about specific cost-saving initiatives you've implemented. Discuss how you identified opportunities for efficiency and how those strategies benefited your previous employers, particularly in a start-up or scale-up environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance Standards
Research relevant industry standards like AS9100 and ISO. Be prepared to explain how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the position and shows your attention to detail.