Procurement Specialist

Adria Solutions Ltd.; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth AI company in the Greater Cambridge area is looking for a Procurement Specialist. This hands-on role involves managing the procurement lifecycle, building supplier relationships, and supporting technical teams with essential components. The ideal candidate will have experience in procurement within technology or manufacturing, along with strong negotiation and organizational skills. This position offers the chance to shape procurement processes and be part of an innovative, fast-scaling environment.

Benefits

Opportunity to build procurement processes

High visibility across teams

Dynamic hands-on environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement, ideally in engineering or technology.
• Ability to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Proficient in managing multiple suppliers and orders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full procurement lifecycle including sourcing and ordering.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Coordinate logistics and ensure compliance with internal policies.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Strong attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Solutions-focused

Tools

Procurement systems

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Procurement Specialist – High-Growth AI Company (Near Cambridge)

My client is a rapidly growing AI and deep-tech company based in the Greater Cambridge area. They are seeking a Procurement Specialist to take ownership of sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management across a wide range of technical and operational categories.

This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role supporting a fast‑scaling organisation, ensuring engineering, R&D, and operations teams have the materials, components, and equipment required to deliver cutting‑edge products.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Manage the full procurement lifecycle: sourcing, quoting, negotiating, purchasing, and tracking orders
• Identify and qualify reliable suppliers for electronics, optics, mechanical parts, test equipment, and wider operational needs
• Raise POs, manage approvals, and maintain accurate purchasing and order‑tracking records
• Monitor stock levels and place replenishment orders for critical components

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers
• Evaluate supplier performance, reliability, pricing, and lead times
• Negotiate pricing, terms, SLAs, and commercial agreements
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, export controls, and regulatory standards

Operational Support & Logistics

• Coordinate shipments, deliveries, customs documentation, and logistics arrangements
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams to understand technical requirements and timelines
• Support R&D, warehouse, and stores teams with timely procurement and delivery of components
• Maintain accurate records of assets, tooling, and critical components

Process Development & Governance

• Develop scalable procurement processes suited to a fast‑growing deep‑tech environment
• Improve purchasing workflows, documentation, and approval pathways
• Support cost control, budgeting, and forecasting in collaboration with Finance
• Ensure procurement operates in line with company policies, ethical standards, and defence/security guidelines

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or buying roles—ideally within engineering, manufacturing, electronics, or technology
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Ability to interpret technical specifications or collaborate closely with engineers to clarify requirements
• Confident managing multiple suppliers, quotes, and orders at once
• Good understanding of procurement systems, POs, invoicing workflows, and inventory processes
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proactive, solutions‑focused, able to work independently in a fast‑paced environment

Desirable

• Experience in defence, aerospace, robotics, electronics, manufacturing, or hardware‑focused tech
• Knowledge of export controls (ITAR/EAR), restricted materials, or specialist compliance
• Familiarity with technical components such as RF parts, optics, PCBs, cables, sensors, or mechanical hardware
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems or procurement softwareUnderstanding of logistics, customs documentation, and international shipping
• CIPS qualification or progress toward certification

What’s on Offer

• An opportunity to build procurement processes from the ground up
• High visibility across engineering, R&D, and operational teams
• The chance to be part of a fast‑growing AI organisation working on cutting‑edge technology
• A dynamic, hands‑on environment ideal for someone who thrives in a scaling, innovative business

Interested? Please Click Apply Now!

Procurement Specialist