Project Buyer

Ultra PCS; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence firm in Cheltenham seeks a Project Buyer to support procurement and NPI projects. The role involves managing sourcing and pricing negotiations while collaborating with engineering teams. Ideal candidates exhibit strong negotiation and project management skills. Benefits include flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working within core hours

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

4 times annual salary life assurance

Flexible benefits package

Pension Scheme with employer contributions

Sports and Social club

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or project buying role, ideally in aerospace or defence sector.
• Strong negotiation skills to achieve competitive pricing.
• Experience in managing NPI projects.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Consolidate costings for bid activity with accurate data.
• Negotiate competitive pricing with suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotations for technical and quality compliance.
• Engage with Engineering and Design teams for NPI integration.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Project management

ERP systems proficiency

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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 are at the heart of our success, which is why 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, providing engineering solutions to safety and mission critical challenges in the air and on the ground. Our solutions can be found in the latest military aircraft and vehicles, in civil aircraft, and in unmanned vehicles.

We also offer innovative products optimised to support the unique challenges of the dismounted soldier. We help to ensure our customers get to where they need to be safely, achieve their objectives and keep on going back.

Flexible Working

Wherever possible, we will consider a variety of working options to suit your lifestyle, whether that be hybrid home/office working, flexible working and part or full time employment. It's the 'innovating' and 'empowering' values that we ASPIRE to be. We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people.

Job Description

Ultra Precision Control Systems (PCS) are looking for a Project Buyer to join the supply chain team on a fixed term contract. The Ultra Supply Chain function manages the processes associated with Indirect and Direct Procurement of goods and materials required to meet the operational demands of the business and the logistics of ensuring that materials are available for operations, and the completed products/services are delivered to the customer.

12 month Fixed Term Contract (FTC)

The Project Buyer will play a key role in supporting bid activity by consolidating costings, negotiating competitive pricing, and ensuring quotations align with bid requirements and customer flow-downs. Additionally, the role will involve project management responsibilities for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, acting as a key stakeholder between Ultra PCS Engineering and Design teams while liaising with suppliers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) activities. The Project Buyer will also manage the sourcing and delivery of NPI items to support the Supply Chain team.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of both bid activities and NPI projects in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring competitive pricing, seamless project delivery, and enhanced supplier collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Support

• Consolidate costings for bid activity, ensuring all cost data is accurate, comprehensive, and delivered within required timelines.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing while maintaining adherence to bid requirements and customer flow-downs.
• Evaluate supplier quotations to ensure they conform to technical, commercial, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to address bid-specific challenges and risks.

NPI Project Management

• Act as the primary Supply Chain stakeholder for NPI projects, engaging with Engineering and Design teams to ensure smooth integration with supply chain activities.
• Liaise with suppliers to review and optimise designs for manufacturability (DFM), ensuring cost‑effective and production‑ready solutions.
• Project manage the sourcing and procurement of NPI components, ensuring timely delivery to support project timelines.
• Develop and maintain project plans, including tracking key milestones and supplier deliverables for NPI projects.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to support both bid and NPI activities.
• Assess and qualify suppliers in alignment with company policies and quality standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues impacting delivery, cost, or quality.

Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes and cost‑efficiency in bid support and NPI project delivery.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of supply chain strategies to enhance performance and competitiveness.

Skills And Experience Required

Essential

• Proven experience in a procurement or project buying role, ideally within the aerospace or defence sector.
• Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to achieve competitive pricing and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Experience managing NPI projects, including working with engineering and design teams and engaging with suppliers on DFM activities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Familiarity with customer flow‑down requirements, technical specifications, and quality standards.
• Proficient in using ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Desirable

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

Benefits

• Flexible working within core working hours.
• 25 days holiday (185 hrs) with the option to buy/sell 5 days (37 hrs) plus bank holidays.
• 4 times your annual salary in life assurance.
• Flexible benefits package.
• Pension Scheme – Less than 5 years' service up to 5.5% employer contributions, 5 years' service + up to 7.5% employer contributions.
• Sports and Social club.
• Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events.

You couldn’t be joining the team and Ultra at a more exciting time. Therefore if this sounds of interest, please follow the application process.

Nationality Requirements

Candidates must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra PCS is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be your best and authentic self.

We promote a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures; believing that this will increase our diversity of thinking, and ultimately ensure we continue delivering on our commitments to our customers.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and welcome applications from all candidates.