Project Buyer

NP Aerospace Limited; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Flexible schedule

Holiday allowance

Pension plan

Life cover

Health plan

Career development

Team environment

Job summary

NP Aerospace is seeking a Project Buyer to oversee procurement for engineering projects from concept through production launch. You will manage RFQs, evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms and support supplier nominations, balancing cost, quality and delivery targets.

Working with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, you’ll ensure supplier readiness and mitigate risks to protect project delivery.

Qualifications

• Purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience supporting projects and/or New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills and supplier management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities across assigned engineering projects, from concept to production launch.
• Manage RFQs, evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms and support supplier nominations.
• Coordinate supplier readiness, monitor lead times and quality approvals, and manage procurement commitments.

Skills

Procurement experience

NPI support

Supplier management

Negotiation

Multi-project coordination

Cost targeting

Communication

Organised / proactive

Job description

Job Title: Project Buyer

Location: Coventry CV6

Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon - Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full-time and based onsite with potential hybrid working

Salary: £35,000-£38,000 (subject to experience) per annum + Discretionary Bonus

About the role

At NP Aerospace, every vehicle, armour system and defence product depends on the right components being sourced at the right time, to the right specification and at the right cost. As our Project Buyer, you'll play a vital role in making this happen, supporting the delivery of specialist engineering projects that help improve and protect lives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced buyer with a background in manufacturing or engineering who enjoys managing suppliers, negotiating commercially and working across multiple projects. You'll take ownership of procurement activities from project concept through to production launch, sourcing fabrications, mechanical and electrical automotive components, electrical harnessing and precision-engineered parts manufactured to detailed technical specifications.

Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, you'll help ensure suppliers are ready to deliver, project costs remain on target and potential supply-chain risks are managed effectively. If you're commercially minded, organised and enjoy turning complex requirements into practical solutions, this could be the opportunity for you.

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN

At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That's why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:

• Performance rewards - discretionary bonus opportunities
• Flex your day - flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
• Time to recharge - 25 days' holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Support for Defence - two weeks' paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
• Future security - competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions
• Peace of mind - life cover at 3x base salary
• Health & wellbeing first - BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
• Grow with us - career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
• Supportive environment - a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

What you'll be doing

You’ll lead procurement activities across assigned engineering projects, from initial concept through to production launch. This will involve managing requests for quotation (RFQs), evaluating suppliers, negotiating commercial terms and supporting supplier nomination decisions. You’ll work to deliver component and tooling costs against project targets, ensuring procurement decisions balance cost, quality, technical requirements and delivery commitments.

Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, you’ll coordinate supplier readiness throughout the project lifecycle. You’ll monitor tooling progress, samples, production capacity, lead times and quality approvals, helping ensure components are ready when required. You’ll also assess the commercial impact of engineering changes, working with relevant stakeholders to understand cost implications and maintain effective control over procurement commitments.

You’ll take a proactive approach to managing supplier, material and supply-chain risks, identifying potential issues early and implementing practical solutions to protect project delivery. By driving cost reduction, value engineering and cost-avoidance opportunities, you’ll contribute to improved commercial performance. You’ll also support prototype, validation and production builds, ensuring suppliers and components are handed over effectively into ongoing production.

What you'll bring

We’re looking for a commercially focused and proactive buyer who understands the demands of engineering and manufacturing environments. You’ll be confident managing supplier relationships, negotiating effectively and balancing competing priorities to keep projects on track.

Essential

• Purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience supporting projects and/or New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills and supplier management experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to work to project cost targets, delivery requirements and changing priorities.

Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in your role.

WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers’ complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy

NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.

Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.