Junior Buyer

OpenWorks Engineering; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly growing engineering firm in North East of England is seeking a Junior Buyer to support its procurement operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, good organisational skills, and a proactive attitude. Responsibilities include processing orders, coordinating with suppliers, and assisting with invoice queries. This role offers a competitive salary starting from £26,000, performance-related bonuses, and excellent benefits including private healthcare and team socials.

Benefits

Performance-related bonuses

25 days' holiday

Free meals

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Pension plan

Social events

Qualifications

• Some experience in procurement or administrative support.
• Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills.
• Comfortable using IT systems and basic data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders and manage supplier data.
• Coordinate with subcontracted service providers.
• Assist with invoice matching and basic queries.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Data analysis skills

Education

A-levels or equivalent

CIPS qualification (or working towards)

Tools

ERP systems (Infor Syteline)

Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

Purchase Order Processing: Handling requisitions and issuing purchase orders for low- to medium-complexity goods. Subcontract Service Coordination: Obtaining quotes and placing orders with subcontracted service providers. Order Progression: Monitoring open purchase orders, flagging delays and working with suppliers to resolve issues. ERP Data Management: Maintaining accurate supplier details, pricing, lead times and part information in the ERP system. Supplier Administration: Keeping supplier documentation up to date and maintaining accurate records. Invoice Support: Assisting with invoice matching and basic query resolution in collaboration with finance. Team Support: Providing ad-hoc administrative support such as filing, document management and process updates. Continuous Improvement: Assisting with procurement process improvements to enhance efficiency.

Job Description

We're looking for a Junior Buyer who's eager to build their career in procurement and play a key role in keeping our purchasing operations running smoothly. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who's organised, detail-driven and ready to learn, supporting the wider procurement team to ensure components and services reach our engineering and production teams on time.

Requirements

Early Procurement Experience: Some experience in procurement, purchasing or administrative support is helpful but not essential. Organisation & Accuracy: Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills. Systems Confidence: Comfortable using IT systems. ERP/MRP experience is desirable (we use Infor Syteline). Clear Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for supplier and internal liaison. Procurement Awareness: Basic understanding of purchasing processes and supplier management. Ability to Prioritise: Comfortable working across multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Positive Attitude: Proactive problem-solving approach and enthusiasm to learn. Data Skills: Excel and experience with basic data analysis skills is a plus. Qualifications: A-levels, equivalent or a relevant vocational qualification. CIPS (or working towards it) is desirable but not essential.

About the Company

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England. Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations. We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world. The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team. Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package, salary from £26,000 with performance-related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday + public holidays, with long-service rewards and the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
• Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.
• Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.
• Life assurance for peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Salary sacrifice schemes - including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.
• Paid team socials - from quiz nights and football to board games and more; we love to have fun together.
• Pension plan with employer-matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
• A culture that empowers - we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.