Procurement Specialist (Entry level)

Open Cosmos; Harwell; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos in Harwell, Oxfordshire, seeks an Entry Level Procurement Specialist to support day-to-day procurement and order management across satellite programmes. You will create POs, follow up with suppliers, and collaborate with Finance to keep records accurate.

This role offers hands-on experience in ERP-based data handling, supplier performance tracking, and KPI reporting within a dynamic space tech team.

Qualifications

• Understanding of procurement processes and PO lifecycle.
• Ability to manage data accurately within ERP.
• Understanding of supplier lead times and delivery commitments.
• Comfort working with data, systems and spreadsheets.
• Strong attention to detail and communication.

Responsibilities

• Create and update purchase orders in internal systems in line with commercial terms.
• Support order follow-up and expediting activities with suppliers.
• Coordinate with Finance to support invoice processing and accurate record keeping.
• Maintain procurement system data related to orders, deliveries and commitments.
• Provide procurement inputs to inventory and logistics teams to support material planning.
• Tracking supplier delivery commitments and identifying risks or delays for escalation.
• Supporting the maintenance of supplier data, including cost, lead time and delivery performance.
• Assisting with basic supplier performance tracking and reporting activities.
• Supporting the collection, maintenance and reporting of procurement and supply chain KPIs.
• Assisting with analysis of lead time and delivery data to support continuous improvement.
• Supporting the gathering and maintenance of supplier and market intelligence

Skills

Procurement data management

ERP systems

Order tracking

Lead time understanding

Data accuracy

Communication skills

Multitasking

Defined processes & approvals

Tools

Excel

ERP purchasing systems

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Our COO Teams are the engine that powers Open Cosmos’ operations. This division brings together mission management, supply chain, and quality & product assurance to make sure every mission is delivered smoothly, reliably, and to the highest standards. They turn plans into action, keeping us efficient and mission-ready at all times.

Our Procurement & Supply Chain team ensures every Open Cosmos mission is supported by the right materials, suppliers and delivery plans to build and launch our satellite platforms successfully. From sourcing components to tracking deliveries and managing supplier performance, the team plays a critical role in keeping our missions on track.

The team are now looking for a Procurement Specialist (Entry Level) to support day-to-day procurement and order management activities across our satellite programmes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Creating and updating purchase orders in internal systems in line with agreed commercial terms

• Supporting order follow-up and expediting activities with suppliers

• Coordinating with Finance to support invoice processing and accurate record keeping

• Maintaining procurement system data related to orders, deliveries and commitments

• Providing procurement inputs to inventory and logistics teams to support material planning

• Tracking supplier delivery commitments and identifying risks or delays for escalation

• Supporting the maintenance of supplier data, including cost, lead time and delivery performance

• Assisting with basic supplier performance tracking and reporting activities

• Supporting the collection, maintenance and reporting of procurement and supply chain KPIs

• Assisting with analysis of lead time and delivery data to support continuous improvement

• Supporting the gathering and maintenance of supplier and market intelligence

What You’ll Bring

• Understanding of procurement and purchase order processes

• Ability to manage procurement data accurately within ERP or purchasing systems

• Understanding of supplier lead times, delivery commitments and order tracking

• Confidence working with data, systems and spreadsheets

• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy

• Clear and professional communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities

• Understanding of working within defined processes and approval controls

• A genuine interest in procurement and supply chain, with motivation to learn, develop and grow within the role

This role will be based in Harwell, Oxfordshire.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.

• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.

• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.

Equal opportunity employer

At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.