At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and manage materials, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure timely procurement for production.
- Company: Join R E Thompson, a leading aerospace engineering company with 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and team-building events.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of operations, supporting advanced manufacturing and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or purchasing within manufacturing and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Operations Coordinator to support our planning and purchasing functions. You will plan and manage materials, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure timely procurement to keep our advanced manufacturing running smoothly. Your role is essential in ensuring the right parts arrive at the right time for optimal production flow. This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of our operations, working with our sophisticated Fastems automation systems and supporting our 24/7 manufacturing capability.
About Us: R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions. Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights-out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications. We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.
- Plan and manage materials to support production schedules
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely procurement of materials and services
- Raise and manage purchase orders in line with company procedures
- Monitor stock levels and maintain accurate inventory records
- Support production planning and scheduling activities
- Liaise with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve supply issues
- Negotiate pricing and delivery terms with suppliers
- Track and expedite orders to meet production deadlines
- Maintain supplier performance records and support supplier development
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements
Experience & Qualifications:
- Experience in planning, purchasing, or supply chain within manufacturing
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent communication skills for supplier and internal liaison
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems
- Detail-oriented with strong numerical accuracy
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Proactive approach with good problem-solving skills
- Team player with the ability to work across departments
- Experience in aerospace or precision engineering sector
- CIPS or equivalent purchasing qualification
- Knowledge of lean principles and inventory management
- Experience with Epicor or similar ERP systems
- Understanding of aerospace material specifications and traceability
We Offer:
- Competitive salary as advertised
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Life Assurance
- Bike2Work Scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Business mileage allowance
- Company laptop and mobile phone provided
- On-site parking at our modern facility
- Team building events
How to Apply: Please apply through Indeed. Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered, as we will not be sponsoring visas for this role.
Operations Coordinator (Planning & Purchasing) employer: R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
R E Thompson is an exceptional employer, offering university students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in quality assurance within a leading aerospace engineering environment. With a fully paid 6-month internship, dedicated mentoring, and a structured development programme, interns can expect to grow their skills while working on real projects for prestigious clients like GE Aviation and BAE Systems. Our supportive work culture fosters continuous improvement and provides a clear pathway to full-time employment, all within our state-of-the-art facilities in Hampshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Coordinator (Planning & Purchasing)
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Coordinator (Planning & Purchasing)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd:This is your chance to really connect with the team at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
