Buyer / Planner in Swindon

Join ICOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing! iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes. We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs.

The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale-up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US. The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK (Gloucester and Swindon) and the US (Dayton, Ohio); a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.

The role:

As Buyer / Planner you own the flow of material and work through Gloucester and Swindon, from customer order to finished part. You buy it, you plan it, you schedule it, and you answer for whether the line has what it needs, when it needs it. This is a single, joined up role by design. The person who commits to a delivery date is the person who buys the material and raises the works order. You can be based at either Gloucester or Swindon. You will cover both. Expect regular time at the other site, one set of numbers across the two, and no tolerance for one site optimising at the other’s expense.

What will you be doing?

• Demand, capacity and scheduling

Analyse customer forecasts and production requirements to anticipate material demand and capacity needs across both sites. Enter customer sales orders, confirm capacity supports the promised delivery date, and raise it internally early with alternatives when it does not. Own the production schedule for Gloucester and Swindon, sequencing work to make the best use of equipment, labour and tooling. Monitor work centre capacity in MRP. Flag where extra capacity is needed and where spare capacity can be filled. Issue the weekly Work to List to Production at each site. Generate manufacturing Works Orders from MRP and make sure the optimal production method is used when raising them.

• Buying and supplier management

Raise material purchase orders in the ERP / MRP system to support demand from MRP. Review and manage the status of open purchase orders to secure on time delivery. Evaluate current and future demand across both sites to consolidate volume and obtain the best price. Make sure non MRP items carry the correct requisition sign off before a PO is raised. Where alternative materials or multiple suppliers exist, select on total value: cost, quality, quantity, delivery and service. Lowest cost only counts if everything else holds. Help oversee external subcontractors and suppliers on pricing, quality, service, productivity and delivery. Work with Engineering on procurement requirements for new product introduction.

• Inventory and stock control

Hold inventory at the level that keeps the line running without tying up cash or creating waste. Recommend and maintain min / mid / max levels on purchased components. Own and optimise the vendor managed inventory process. Plan, execute and reconcile stock cycle counts at both sites.

• Process and reporting

Use our existing supply chain and operational processes, stay current on all activity, and keep the improvements coming. Report clearly and consistently on schedule adherence, supplier on time delivery, stock accuracy and material risk. Work across Production, Engineering, Stores, Quality, Finance and Business Development so plans are aligned before they are committed, not after. Other duties as the business demands. We are scaling, and this job will grow with us.

What do we need from you?

• Essential

Proven procurement and supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment. Strong working knowledge of ERP / MRP systems. Hands on, not theoretical. Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and production planning. Strong analytical and problem solving skills, and real comfort with data. You will build your own numbers and defend them. Accuracy under pressure. A wrong figure in MRP becomes a late part, and a late part becomes a customer call. Clear, direct communication with Production, Engineering, Stores, Finance and customers. The ability to hold multiple priorities across two sites without losing the thread. Willingness to travel regularly between Gloucester and Swindon, and a full UK driving licence. A continuous improvement mindset and the appetite to build a broad knowledge of how we manufacture.

• Desirable

Experience with SYSPRO is a big advantage. Aerospace, automotive or defence manufacturing background. Exposure to AS9100 or IATF 16949 quality management systems would be useful. CIPS qualified or working towards it. Experience standing up planning and procurement processes in a business that is growing fast, rather than maintaining ones that already exist.

Our Values: Uncompromising Excellence. Discipline over excuses. We commit. We follow through. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard, especially when the pressure is on. Push the edge. iCOMAT was built on a refusal to accept that curved fiber could not be manufactured at scale. We innovate where others hesitate. Aligned and accountable. Everyone owns their lane, communicates openly, and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.

Why iCOMAT?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
• Innovation-Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward-thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
• Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide.

Ready to be part of something big? Apply now to learn more and join us on our exciting journey!