Procurement Specialist

Chase Global; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic aerospace company in the UK is seeking an experienced Procurement/Purchasing/Buyer to lead procurement activities within the aerospace and defence sectors. The successful candidate should have over 5 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management, particularly in start-up environments. Key responsibilities include sourcing direct materials, supplier management, and cost optimisation. This role offers flexible travel across the UK and Europe while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive buying, procurement, supply chain experience.
• Strong background in start-up and scale-up environments.
• Industry expertise in defence, automotive, and/or aerospace sectors.
• Track record in direct and indirect procurement, supplier management, negotiation, and cost optimisation.
• Experience in forecasting, BOM analysis, stock management, and stores operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities for direct materials, indirect goods, and services.
• Develop procurement strategies that align with company goals, budget constraints, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing performance management.
• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, demand management, and process efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop accurate demand forecasts.

Skills

End-to-end procurement

Supplier development and management

Inventory planning and stores control

BOM analysis and cost control

Process design and operational scaling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field

Professional certifications (CIPS, APICS, Lean Six Sigma)

Tools

ERP/MRP system proficiency (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Procurement/Purchasing/Buyer (Aerospace & Defence)

Location: Cambridge – with flexible travel across the UK and Europe

Job Type: Full time

Industry: Aerospace/Defence | Start-ups & Scale-ups

Reports to: Head of Manufacturing

For this role...

The ideal candidate will have experience coming through the ranks from a manufacturing environment, keeping track of their career through buying, purchasing, procurement and ideally has good knowledge of the whole manufacturing process, or is a qualified engineer themselves.

You will have a good understanding of budgeting, commercials, forecasting, and a bonus if you have come from a start-up or scale-up company, ideally from automotive, aerospace or electronic component manufacturing.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Procurement buyer to assist managers with our end-to-end supply chain function.

The successful candidate will bring hands-on experience in with purchasing, buying and procurement ideally from a technical engineering sector.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Management (Direct & Indirect)

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities for direct materials, indirect goods, and services.
• Develop procurement strategies that align with company goals, budget constraints, and regulatory compliance.

Supplier Management

• assist with supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing performance management.
• help with long-term and short-term commercial negotiations to secure competitive pricing and strong service-level agreements.

Cost Optimisation

• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, demand management, and process efficiency.

Forecasting & Planning

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop accurate demand forecasts and ensure material availability.
• Integrate forecasting into procurement and stock planning systems to support operational continuity.

BOM Analysis & Alignment

• Conduct deep-dive analysis of Bills of Materials to optimise sourcing and validate costing accuracy.
• Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to support product lifecycle requirements.

Inventory & Stores Control

• Oversee all aspects of inventory management, including stock accuracy, safety stock, and turnover.
• Implement robust stores control procedures and continuous improvement measures.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure adherence to applicable industry standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100, ISO, MOD/defence procurement protocols).

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• 5+ years of progressive buying, procurement, supply chain experience.
• Strong background in start-up and scale-up environments.
• Industry expertise in defence, automotive, and/or aerospace sectors.
• Track record in direct and indirect procurement, supplier management, negotiation, and cost optimisation.
• Experience in forecasting, BOM analysis, stock management, and stores operations.

Desirable:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, APICS, Lean Six Sigma).
• ERP/MRP system proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).

Key Skills:

• End-to-end procurement
• Supplier development and management
• Inventory planning and stores control
• BOM analysis and cost control
• Process design and operational scaling