Project Buyer

Ultra PCS; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultra Precision Control Systems is seeking a Project Buyer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves procurement, project management for New Product Introduction (NPI), and supplier negotiation in a dynamic aerospace and defense environment. Candidates should have strong negotiation and project management skills, with a background in procurement.

Benefits

Flexible working hours within core hours

25 days holiday plus options to buy/sell 5 days

Life assurance of four times annual salary

Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7.5%

Sports and Social club

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement or project buying, preferably in aerospace or defence.
• Strong negotiation skills for competitive pricing and compliance.
• Experience managing NPI projects, including collaboration with engineering and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Consolidate costings for bid activity, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Act as the primary Supply Chain stakeholder for NPI projects.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Skills

Negotiation

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Organizational Skills

Education

CIPS qualification or similar procurement certification

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are Ultra Precision Control Systems

Ultra PCS is a leading developer of mission and safety critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. Our team of experts is at the heart of our success, and we are dedicated to fostering a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected.

We solve our customers' problems by providing engineering solutions to safety and mission-critical challenges in the air and on the ground. Our solutions are found in the latest military aircraft and vehicles, civil aircraft, and unmanned vehicles.

We also offer innovative products designed to support the unique challenges of dismounted soldiers. We help ensure our customers reach their destinations safely, achieve their objectives, and keep returning.

Flexible Working

Wherever possible, we consider various working options to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid home/office working, flexible hours, and part/full-time employment. We aspire to be innovative and empowering, trusting you to get the job done while embracing new ways of working because we recognize that our business is our people.

Job Description

Ultra Precision Control Systems (PCS) is seeking a Project Buyer to join the supply chain team on a fixed-term contract. The Ultra Supply Chain manages the procurement of goods and materials necessary for operational demands and ensures the availability of materials and timely delivery of products/services to customers.

This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract (FTC).

The Project Buyer will support bid activities by consolidating costings, negotiating prices, and ensuring quotations meet bid requirements and customer specifications. The role also involves project management responsibilities for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, acting as a key stakeholder between Engineering and Design teams and liaising with suppliers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) activities. The Project Buyer will manage the sourcing and delivery of NPI items to support the Supply Chain team.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to bid success and NPI projects in a dynamic environment. The successful candidate will ensure competitive pricing, seamless project delivery, and strong supplier collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Support

• Consolidate costings for bid activity, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Negotiate with suppliers for competitive pricing while complying with bid and customer requirements.
• Evaluate supplier quotations for technical, commercial, and quality compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to address bid-specific challenges and risks.

NPI Project Management

• Act as the primary Supply Chain stakeholder for NPI projects, working with Engineering and Design teams.
• Engage with suppliers to review and optimize designs for manufacturability (DFM).
• Manage sourcing and procurement of NPI components, ensuring timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain project plans, tracking milestones and deliverables.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Assess and qualify suppliers per company policies and standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues impacting delivery, cost, or quality.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes and cost-efficiency.
• Contribute to supply chain strategy development and implementation.

Skills And Experience Required

Essential:

• Experience in procurement or project buying, preferably in aerospace or defence.
• Strong negotiation skills for competitive pricing and compliance.
• Experience managing NPI projects, including collaboration with engineering and suppliers on DFM.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of customer flow-down requirements, technical standards, and quality standards.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.

Desirable:

• CIPS qualification or similar procurement certification.
• Experience in regulated industries such as aerospace, defence, or automotive.
• Knowledge of lean practices and continuous improvement methodologies.

Benefits

We offer flexible employee benefits and career development opportunities:

• Flexible working hours within core hours
• 25 days holiday plus options to buy/sell 5 days and bank holidays
• Life assurance of four times annual salary
• Flexible benefits package
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7.5%
• Sports and Social club
• Supportive work environment with team events

If interested, please follow the application process.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be able to work in the UK without restrictions and undergo UK National Security Vetting.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra PCS values diversity, inclusion, and equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics, fostering an inclusive workplace.