Rapid Engineering Development Coordinator

TN United Kingdom; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Rapid Engineering Development Coordinator to enhance the efficiency of procurement processes. This role involves liaising with various departments to ensure timely sourcing of materials for innovative projects. You will play a crucial role in negotiating with suppliers and managing procurement from requisition to payment. The company values flexibility, offering hybrid working options, and is committed to your professional growth through training and development. Join a team that impacts lives daily by delivering cutting-edge technology in defence and security.

Benefits

Half-day Fridays

Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Program

Discount Shopping Schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement for rapid development projects.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering and procurement teams for material sourcing.
• Negotiate prices and delivery terms with suppliers.

Skills

Procurement Management

Negotiation Skills

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Financial Acumen

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Team Collaboration

Knowledge of Procurement Best Practices

SC Clearance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Engineering

MCIPS or Related Professional Qualifications

Tools

Procurement Software

ERP Systems

Job description

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across five major industries: Aerospace, Defence, Ground Transportation, Security, and Space.

Your health and well-being matter to us, which is why we offer flexible working options such as part-time hours, job sharing, home working, and flexible start and finish times to support your lifestyle and ambitions.

Job title: Rapid Engineering Development Coordinator

Location: Glasgow – Hybrid Working

Our opportunity

As a Rapid Engineering Development Coordinator at Thales, you will liaise with multiple functions—Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing NPI, and Procurement—to enable sourcing of materials and services for rapid product engineering development. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to expedite procurement and ensure timely delivery for innovative projects. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual who can collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Note:

This role is specific to design, development, and prototype units only; it does not apply to production units.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

1. Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing NPI, and procurement teams to understand project requirements and procure necessary materials and services.
2. Utilize available procurement methods to ensure efficient sourcing while complying with UK Procurement Governance.
3. Conduct rapid sourcing activities to identify and qualify new suppliers capable of meeting project timelines and quality standards, working with the Category Management Team to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities.
4. Negotiate prices and delivery terms with suppliers to achieve cost-effective solutions, addressing any quality, delivery, price, or service issues.
5. Host supplier project meetings, document notes, and track action items with due dates and ownership.
6. Manage procurement from requisition to purchase order, invoice, and payment, ensuring compliance with policies and export controls.
7. Monitor supplier performance, address issues, and coordinate with UK procurement teams to ensure on-time delivery and quality.
8. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and communication throughout procurement processes.
9. Utilize procurement tools and systems to track activities, contracts, and supplier relationships.
10. Manage receipt and return of materials, liaising with inventory teams for efficient transfer.
11. Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within procurement to support rapid development initiatives.

Skills and Experience:

1. Proven experience in procurement and supply chain management supporting rapid development projects.
2. Strong negotiation and communication skills.
3. Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
4. Financial acumen to assess total procurement costs.
5. Proficiency with procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office.
6. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
7. Teamwork, collaboration, and customer-focused mindset.
8. Knowledge of procurement best practices, contract management, and compliance in rapid projects.
9. SC clearance is required.

Qualifications (preferred):

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or equivalent.
2. MCIPS or related professional qualifications in project management, engineering, or supply chain.

What we offer:

Competitive salary and benefits, including:

• Half-day Fridays (usually until 11:30)
• Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program and mental wellbeing resources
• Discount shopping schemes

Your Career at Thales

We’re committed to your growth through training, development, mentoring, and coaching. We support flexible work patterns to help you reach your ambitions. Thales is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and inclusion.

Candidates will need to provide evidence of identity, work eligibility, and employment/education history for up to three years. Some roles may require security clearance, with further documentation needed.

Thales offers opportunities for international mobility and career development across its global operations. We embrace flexibility and support inclusive recruitment processes, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions.

Great journeys start here, apply now!