Project Buyer

Ultra PCS Limited; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence firm is seeking a Project Buyer in Cheltenham for a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. The role includes providing bid support through cost consolidation and negotiations, along with managing new product introduction projects. Candidates should have procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in ERP systems. The position offers opportunities to enhance supplier collaboration and deliver competitive solutions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience managing NPI projects and engaging suppliers on DFM activities.

Responsibilities

• Consolidate costings and negotiate with suppliers for bid activities.
• Manage sourcing and delivery of NPI components.
• Build relationships with suppliers and monitor their performance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Supplier relationship building

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement certification

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office Suite

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.

This is a 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