Buyer

Loft Orbital Solutions; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in satellite manufacturing as a Buyer. This pivotal role entails managing procurement processes, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring timely delivery of essential materials. Ideal candidates are proactive, possess strong negotiation skills, and have experience in a manufacturing setting, specifically in the aerospace or defense sector. Work in a fast-paced environment where you will contribute to innovative satellite production in Abu Dhabi.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of procurement experience in manufacturing or industrial environments required.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in subcontract management.
• Proficient in using procurement software and managing vendor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure materials and hardware for production needs.
• Lead subcontracting efforts including negotiation and management of contracts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure procurement aligns with schedules.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management

Bachelor's degree in business administration

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Procurement software

Contract management tools

Job description

Wanna join the adventure?

We are seeking a high-performing, action-oriented Buyer to join the Orbitworks team to support the rapid setup of our satellite manufacturing facility in the UAE. This role is crucial for ensuring the fast-paced procurement of materials and services with accuracy, efficiency, and accountability. The ideal candidate will be a versatile professional who thrives in high-pressure environments, is a self-starter, and has a successful track record in manufacturing or industrial procurement.

About This Role:

1. Source and procure materials, hardware, and services ensuring timely delivery to meet engineering and production requirements.
2. Lead subcontracting efforts including preparation, negotiation, and management of purchase orders, contracts, and subcontracts.
3. Negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal pricing and delivery schedules while fostering long-term supplier relationships.
4. Oversee inventory levels, ensuring materials are available when needed, and develop procurement strategies aligned with company goals.
5. Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards. Continuously improve procurement processes.
6. Manage purchase orders, contracts, and agreements; resolve conflicts or issues proactively with suppliers.
7. Collaborate with engineering, production, and logistics teams to understand needs and align procurement activities with schedules.
8. Report on purchasing activity, analyze spending, and provide insights on procurement performance and cost optimization opportunities.
9. Coordinate logistics for deliveries, ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation.
10. Leverage contractual agreements with vendors to optimize the supply chain.
11. Manage supplier communications, follow-ups, and expedite orders to prevent delays.
12. Maintain thorough procurement documentation and audit trails.
13. Identify potential supplier risks, delays, or cost deviations early and propose mitigation strategies.
14. Ensure ERP data accuracy (preferably NetSuite), including pricing, lead times, PO tracking, and GRN status.
15. Support the Supply Chain Director in sourcing planning and onboarding new suppliers.
16. This is a contractual role based in the UAE. Only candidates with valid UAE residency and work authorization will be considered. Preference given to those with experience in setting up procurement functions during manufacturing ramp-ups or greenfield projects.

Must Haves:

1. Minimum 3-5 years of procurement experience in manufacturing or industrial environments (aerospace or defense preferred).
2. Strong understanding of subcontract management and procurement principles, with proven negotiation skills.
3. Ability to handle multiple priorities and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
4. Attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills to meet deadlines and standards.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working independently and in teams.
6. Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems, procurement software, and contract management tools.
7. Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or related fields.
8. Experience with tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Dropbox, Google Suite, etc.
9. UAE-based and available for immediate deployment.
10. Strong negotiation skills and vendor relationship management.
11. Detail-oriented with strong documentation and organizational abilities.
12. Proactive mindset, anticipating challenges and resolving issues independently.

Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations deploying physical and virtual missions. Building on Loft Orbitals' heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the UAE to mass-manufacture satellites, aiming to produce tens of satellites annually from a 50,000 sq ft facility in Abu Dhabi.