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 a dynamic work environment in the heart of Hampshire's advanced aerospace engineering sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional training, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork. Join us to be part of a leading company that not only supports your career aspirations but also engages you in meaningful work with prestigious clients in a cutting-edge manufacturing setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Coordinator (Planning & Purchasing)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their products and services, especially in aerospace and precision engineering. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your experience in planning and purchasing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Coordinator (Planning & Purchasing)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Coordinator role. Highlight your experience in planning, purchasing, and supply chain management, especially within manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience in aerospace or precision engineering.
Show Off Your Skills:We love seeing strong organisational and communication skills. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully coordinated with suppliers or managed materials in the past. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our operations.
Apply Through Our Website:While we appreciate applications through Indeed, we encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s a straightforward process, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of planning and purchasing in a manufacturing context. Brush up on your knowledge of supply chain management, especially in aerospace. Familiarise yourself with terms like ERP/MRP systems and lean principles, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong organisational and time management skills. Think of specific situations where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment like theirs.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves liaising with suppliers and internal teams, being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your communication style.
✨Be Proactive and Problem-Solving
Think of instances where you identified cost-saving opportunities or improved efficiency in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and what steps you take to ensure smooth operations. This proactive mindset is exactly what they’re looking for!
