Buyer in South Molton

Nestled in the heart of Devon, UK, the South Molton plant is home to a team of over 400 talented professionals, driving excellence in aerospace manufacturing. With a proud history dating back to 1973, this facility has grown into a powerhouse of precision engineering, delivering high-quality components to some of the world's most renowned aerospace brands. What makes South Molton unique? Our one‑of‑a‑kind investment casting foundry, established in 1975, sets us apart from all other Eaton Aerospace plants. Today, our focus is on designing, manufacturing, and testing top‑tier aerospace components, ensuring safety, reliability, and cutting‑edge innovation. We proudly collaborate with industry giants like Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, and Augusta Westland, with our main customer being Eaton’s Titchfield facility in Hampshire, UK.

If you're looking for a dynamic environment, world‑class engineering, and the opportunity to shape the future of aerospace, South Molton is the place to be!

What You’ll Do

Eaton is a power management company focusing on delivering energy efficient products and services to help our customers manage power more reliably, efficiently, safely and sustainably. As a part of our purchasing organisation, this role will ensure our manufacturing plants and distribution centres have the right materials at the right time. This role will be responsible for the purchasing of raw materials and finished goods from around the globe ensuring we are able to delight our customers. The purpose is to support the plant in fulfilment of parts sourced externally, by utilising existing or establishing new cost effective, reliable, sustainable, and robust supply chains.

• Procures materials from assigned materials as per MRP requirements when required.
• Prepares, monitors and analyses planning parameters and key metrics within assigned commodity groups, as well as ensures the parameters are adhered to by the demand conversion team.
• Resolves goods receiving/invoicing queries as required to ensure continuous flow of materials.
• Raises, consults, and monitors the progress of Concessions and Permits.
• Supports expenditure control by strict application of processes referring to PO placement, PO sign off levels, PPV review and adherence to LTAs.
• Resolves high profile supply shortages and escalates unresolved cases in line with set process.
• Monitors and executes supply alignment requirements in line with MRP action messages (Past Due, Expedite, De-Expedite, Cancel).
• Supports Supplier Quality team in the escalation process as well as administrative tasks (RTV, DMR, 8D, COGS reclaims).
• Initiates and supports transition projects by launching gate reviews, raising Project Workbooks, Source Change documents and supporting Transitions team in change management process.
• Effectively applies and shapes Divisional Commodity strategy by promoting high standards of VRM.
• Analyses supplier performance and spend related data & initiates appropriate projects and actions in conjunction with Supplier Development team.
• Continues to improve material replenishment methods (spot PO vs Schedule PO vs VMIC) as well as initiates and supports projects aimed at inventory maintenance improvements.
• Builds strong relationships with vendors as well as internal customers.
• Provides cross functional internal communication to ensure visibility of key issues and related recovery actions.
• Promotes data accuracy and supports initiatives improving the quality of data.

Qualifications

Preferably degree qualified; CIPs would be an advantage.

Skills Technical Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Advanced knowledge of Excel, MS Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Project (beneficial), Access.
• Working knowledge of ERP or MRP software as well as the understanding of its principles.
• Good understanding of main manufacturing processes (ideally injection moulding, electronic/PCB assemblies, machining).

Additional Knowledge And Skills Required:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching and influence management skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and projects while maintaining excellent level of service to internal customers.
• Track record in initiating and delivering on Cost Out initiatives.
• Excellent commercial awareness.
• Good problem solving skills (e.g. 8-D or A3, RCCA).
• Intrinsically motivated, dynamic, customer‑centric, self‑starter; Excellent relationship builder (internally and externally).
• Data driven decision maker with experience in data analysis and extraction of data; Understands mechanics and dependencies of functions within a larger organisation.
• Experience within Aerospace or Automotive beneficial but not essential.
• Basic engineering knowledge and/or background with the ability to read drawings.

What We Offer

• A company culture committed to Inclusion & Diversity and Sustainability.
• Annual mentoring programme, Eaton University, and a robust reward and recognition framework.
• Ongoing learning and global career development opportunities, including internal mobility.
• Comprehensive induction support and a well‑structured onboarding experience.
• Future Career development.
• Early Finishes on Friday.

The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.