Commodity Buyer (12-Month Contract)
About the Company
An innovative company, established in 2021, is at the forefront of commercializing next-generation electric motor technology and intellectual property for the emerging electrification aerospace market. Their cutting-edge technology drives hybrid and all-electric propulsion solutions across sectors like Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and General Aviation (GA). Operating from a state-of-the-art 39,000 square foot facility in Oxfordshire, they possess the engineering and manufacturing capacity to produce up to 20,000 units per year.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a Commodity Buyer for a 12-month contract. In this role, you will be responsible for managing relationships and sourcing strategies for specific categories of direct materials, ensuring that production needs are met for advanced electric motor technology. This position offers a competitive rate and is ideal for professionals looking to make an impact in a high-growth, innovative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a defined category of spend, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to assess manufacturability and deliverability of parts, identifying appropriate suppliers.
- Oversee supplier governance based on the complexity and criticality of commodities or supplier risk.
- Negotiate pricing aligned to forecasted demand, challenging supplier costs where appropriate.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of materials and supporting long-term partnerships.
- Lead procurement activities for your category, managing processes such as expediting parts, handling supplier returns, monitoring KPIs, and resolving invoice queries.
- Make informed sourcing decisions (buy vs. make) in partnership with internal teams to ensure cost-effectiveness and strategic alignment.
- Work closely with operations and planning teams to align procurement actions with both development and production requirements.
- Support supplier quality approval processes and track progress on quality-related actions.
- Resolve any delivery or supply chain issues, managing escalations as necessary.
- Contribute to cost reduction, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Skills and Experience Required:
- CIPS Level 4 certification or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in a manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, aerospace, industrial).
- Proficiency in working with MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with a talent for building and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a positive and creative approach to challenges.
- Flexibility to travel as required.
- Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in analysing and negotiating open book costing.
- Knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing techniques and processes.
- Experience negotiating and managing long-term supplier agreements.
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a pioneering company in a rapidly growing sector.
- Engage in cutting-edge projects that shape the future of aerospace.
- Work in a dynamic environment that values trust, autonomy, and professional growth.
- Competitive rate offered for the contract duration.
How to Apply: If you are excited about this opportunity and meet the criteria above, please send your resume and a cover letter to Jamie Birch with the subject line "Commodity Buyer Application - [Your Name]."