At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for innovative electric propulsion projects and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join ePropelled, a cutting-edge company in electric propulsion systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with significant responsibility and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of electric propulsion while collaborating with global teams.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a Technical Buyer with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Work Location: ePropelled | Coventry, UK
Job description: Full-time | On-site with hybrid flexibility (4 days office, 1 day home)
About ePropelled: ePropelled designs and manufactures electric propulsion systems for UAVs and other next-generation platforms, with teams in the UK, US and India. Driven by growing demand and supported by funding initiatives including $60 million from the US government, we are expanding our supply chain team to support our motor and electronic controller programmes.
About the Role: You will be the main procurement contact for UK new product introduction (NPI), from prototype sourcing through to readiness for volume production, while supporting day-to-day production purchasing. Working with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Programme teams, you will develop and execute supply solutions that meet cost, delivery and quality requirements. This is a hands-on role with significant ownership, suited to someone who can work independently, resolve problems and bring structure to a rapidly growing business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead procurement for new motor and controller projects, coordinating sourcing plans, prototype requirements and supplier readiness for transfer into volume production.
- Select suppliers from the approved supply base, identify capability or capacity gaps, and work with Engineering, Quality and the wider procurement team to assess new sources where needed.
- Manage RFQs, compare quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times and commercial terms to achieve value and continuity of supply.
- Raise and manage purchase orders, secure delivery commitments and expedite materials against development and production schedules.
- Identify supply risks early, develop recovery options and communicate actions and decisions needed to the Programme team and relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure purchase requirements reflect the correct drawings, bills of materials and specifications, coordinate engineering changes, deviations and supplier issues with Engineering and Quality.
- Build supplier relationships, monitor delivery performance and drive improvement and cost-reduction activities.
- Maintain accurate ERP purchasing data and improve procurement workflows, support goods receipt, shipments and wider supply chain activities when required.
Requirements Skills & Experience:
- Looking for 5+ years experience as Technical Buyer.
- Proven technical purchasing experience in engineering or manufacturing, including responsibility for NPI or new product development procurement.
- Knowledge of mechanical commodities such as machined parts, fabrication and raw materials. Experience sourcing PCBAs, PCBs and electronic components is strongly preferred.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, bills of materials and specifications, and work with engineers and suppliers to resolve technical queries.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills, with sound commercial judgement on cost, lead time and longer-term supply risk.
- Ability to manage competing project deadlines independently, follow actions through to completion and escalate issues with clear recommendations.
- Confident communication and influencing skills across suppliers and internal teams, including the ability to challenge assumptions constructively.
- Practical ERP/MRP experience and a disciplined approach to purchasing records, data accuracy and process improvement.
- Understanding of manufacturing quality systems and supplier quality processes, such as first article inspection, non-conformance management and deviations.
- Experience in a startup or growing SME, aerospace/UAVs or complex electromechanical products, together with basic shipping and logistics knowledge, would be advantageous.
Benefits:
- An opportunity to help shape procurement in a growing electric propulsion business.
- A generous company share scheme.
- Significant responsibility and autonomy, working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams.
- A global outlook, working with colleagues across the UK, US and India.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits: Company pension, Employee stock purchase plan, Free parking, On-site parking
Senior Technical Buyer in Coventry employer: ePropelled
ePropelled is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Coventry where innovation meets engineering excellence. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and benefits such as a company pension scheme and professional training opportunities, we empower our team to thrive while working on cutting-edge electric propulsion technologies. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values safety, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring meaningful career progression in a rapidly growing technology sector.
