At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Project Buyer, managing procurement and project activities.
- Company: Ultra Precision Control Systems is a leader in aerospace and defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 12-month fixed term contract with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of dynamic projects that impact the future of technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or project buying, ideally in aerospace or defence.
- Other info: Strong negotiation skills and stakeholder management are essential for success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ultra Precision Control Systems (PCS) are looking for a Project Buyer to join the supply chain team on a fixed term contract. The Ultra Supply Chain function manages the processes associated with Indirect and Direct Procurement of goods and materials required to meet the operational demands of the business and the logistics of ensuring that materials are available for operations, and the completed products/services are delivered to the customer. This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract (FTC).
The Project Buyer will play a key role in supporting bid activity by consolidating costings, negotiating competitive pricing, and ensuring quotations align with bid requirements and customer flow-downs. Additionally, the role will involve project management responsibilities for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, acting as a key stakeholder between Ultra PCS Engineering and Design teams while liaising with suppliers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) activities. The Project Buyer will also manage the sourcing and delivery of NPI items to support the Supply Chain team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of both bid activities and NPI projects in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring competitive pricing, seamless project delivery, and enhanced supplier collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Bid Support
- Consolidate costings for bid activity, ensuring all cost data is accurate, comprehensive, and delivered within required timelines.
- Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing while maintaining adherence to bid requirements and customer flow-downs.
- Evaluate supplier quotations to ensure they conform to technical, commercial, and quality requirements.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to address bid-specific challenges and risks.
- Act as the primary Supply Chain stakeholder for NPI projects, engaging with Engineering and Design teams to ensure smooth integration with supply chain activities.
- Liaise with suppliers to review and optimise designs for manufacturability (DFM), ensuring cost-effective and production-ready solutions.
- Project manage the sourcing and procurement of NPI components, ensuring timely delivery to support project timelines.
- Develop and maintain project plans, including tracking key milestones and supplier deliverables for NPI projects.
- Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to support both bid and NPI activities.
- Assess and qualify suppliers in alignment with company policies and quality standards.
- Monitor supplier performance and address any issues impacting delivery, cost, or quality.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes and cost-efficiency in bid support and NPI project delivery.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of supply chain strategies to enhance performance and competitiveness.
Skills and Experience Required
Essential:
- Proven experience in a procurement or project buying role, ideally within the aerospace or defence sector.
- Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to achieve competitive pricing and ensure compliance with requirements.
- Experience managing NPI projects, including working with engineering and design teams and engaging with suppliers on DFM activities.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Familiarity with customer flow-down requirements, technical specifications, and quality standards.
- Proficient in using ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Desirable:
- CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement certification.
- Experience in a regulated industry such as aerospace, defence, or automotive.
- Knowledge of lean practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
Project Buyer - FTC employer: Ultra PCS Limited
Contact Detail:
Ultra PCS Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Buyer - FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the aerospace and defence sectors, as this role requires specific knowledge in these areas. Research recent trends and challenges in procurement within these industries to demonstrate your understanding during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills by practising scenarios where you need to secure competitive pricing. Consider role-playing with a friend or mentor to build confidence in articulating your value proposition to suppliers.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the supply chain and procurement fields, especially those with experience in NPI projects. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into best practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail, particularly how you've managed timelines and stakeholder relationships. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to deliver results under pressure, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Buyer - FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and project buying, especially within the aerospace or defence sectors. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities of the Project Buyer role. Mention your experience with bid support, supplier management, and project management, and how these align with the company's needs.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly demonstrate your strong organisational and project management skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks and deadlines in previous roles.
Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Discuss any past experiences where you identified opportunities for process improvements or cost efficiencies. This will show your proactive approach and alignment with the company's focus on continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultra PCS Limited
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in procurement or project buying, especially if it's within the aerospace or defence sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you successfully negotiated competitive pricing or managed supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) projects. Discuss how you've collaborated with engineering and design teams, and share any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure timely delivery.
✨Know Your Numbers
Since the role involves consolidating costings for bid activities, brush up on your ability to analyse and present cost data accurately. Be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance with bid requirements and customer flow-downs during negotiations.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Strong stakeholder management is key for this role. Think of ways you've built relationships with suppliers and internal teams in the past. Be ready to share strategies that helped you address challenges and improve collaboration.