Project Support FI

AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited; Waterbeach; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation systems provider is seeking a Procurement Specialist to manage sourcing and procurement related to new programs. The role, based in Waterbeach, requires a minimum of 3 years in procurement with strong negotiation and relationship management skills. The candidate should be proficient in SAP and have experience in supply chain and materials management, ensuring that inventory meets business needs and sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in Procurement, ideally in Project/Program Procurement.
• Experience managing Procurement and Supply Chain KPIs.
• Ability to summarize and communicate complex information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support all sourcing and procurement activities aligned to the NPI plan.
• Collaborate cross functionally to support project requirements.
• Ensure stock levels are managed accurately.

Skills

Negotiating skills

Proficient in MS Office Suite

Strong stakeholder management

High level of competency in MS Excel

Strong communication and influencing skills

Education

Degree level education

CIPS qualified or working towards

Tools

SAP

Job description

Purpose and Scope

Reporting to The NPI Strategic Sourcing Lead, you will work either onsite at our Cambridge facility, or in Bournemouth and will be responsible for both tactical and strategic procurement activities to support the New Program Introduction team. You will work closely on the development of suppliers to support new programs, delivering solutions that meet the technical, economic and delivery milestones.

In addition, you will play a crucial role in the day‑to‑day management of key sub‑contractor relationships (eg. AVIC sister companies) and in support of managing Free‑Issue materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Support all sourcing and procurement activities aligned to the NPI plan.
• Identify purchasing/buying strategies, ensuring lowest total cost to the business, whilst ensuring quality, reliability and resilience of supply, meeting the company's environmental, sustainability and governance requirements.
• Ensure stock levels are managed accurately, and all materials are available when required by the business. This includes free issue material for both internal use and for on‑ward provisioning in the Supply Chain.
• Ensure materials/inventory is managed in line with MRP requirements and budgets.
• Collaborate cross functionally to support project requirements.
• Build and maintain a strong network internally and with suppliers to secure best pricing and terms.
• Completing supplier reviews – monitoring and reporting on supplier delivery & quality performance.
• Reporting out Procurement performance at various internal and external program reviews.
• Work across the AVIC group to maximise savings in the supply chain.

Experience, Education, Skills and Competencies

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 3 years in Procurement. (Project/Program Procurement, would be ideal)
• Experience in owning and managing Procurement and Supply Chain KPI's.
• Experience in the principles of materials and demand management and MRP systems (eg. SAP or equivalent).
• Ability to summarise and effectively communicate complex information.
• Excellent numerical skills and problem‑solving abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating pricing agreements and contracts.
• High degree of integrity as data confidentiality is paramount to this position.
• Experience in Supplier Order Book Management.
• Experience in Supplier Relationship Management, global is desirable.
• Market research – new sourcing options and technologies.
• Knowledge of End‑to‑End supply chain activities.
• Ability to create, analyse and interpret complex data to generate clear proposals.
• Delivery of savings against budgeted spend.
• Measure performance against defined KPI's to measure and manage service delivery.
• Identification and assessment of new vendors.

Desirable

• Project Management experience (Prince 2/Agile/MS Project or equivalent).
• Experience in a Purchasing or Buyer role within the engineering/manufacturing sector.
• Ability to read technical drawings.
• Experience in Supply Chain Risk Management.
• Experience in utilising Supplier portals for tendering, contracting and supplier management.

Education

• Educated to degree level although experience and / or vocational qualifications are also valued.
• Ideally CIPS qualified/part qualified or working towards.
• Ability to demonstrate continuous personal development.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong negotiating skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• High level of competency in using MS Excel.
• Working knowledge SAP or equivalent (Purchasing and Material Management).
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skillset.
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver reports and presentations internally and externally.
• Good time management with the ability to organise and prioritise work to meet deadlines.
• Articulate and confident in engaging a geographically dispersed team and in creating a shared vision.
• Ability to work flexibly in a complex business environment but to maintain clarity around objectives within specific category areas.
• Strong process and problem‑solving orientation.

Personal Attributes

• Highly self‑motivated and able to work on own initiative.
• Must be a natural problem solver.
• Aptitude for creative and innovative thinking.
• Able to keep a cool head under pressure.
• Methodical, organised and accurate with excellent attention to detail.
• Tenacious.
• Proactive team player.
• Conscientious and responsible.