Senior Manufacturing & NPI Buyer

Graphcore; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovator in AI technology is seeking a Senior Manufacturing & NPI Buyer in Bristol. The role involves collaborating with engineering teams, managing suppliers, and driving cost reduction initiatives. Applicants should have a strong technical background and experience in component sourcing. This position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements, along with comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Flexible working

Private medical insurance

Generous annual leave

Pension matched up to 5%

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in applying budgeting and cost control techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of cost management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering to source key electrical commodities.
• Manage purchase orders and deliveries.
• Negotiate and expedite production components.
• Research and qualify new suppliers.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance and provide feedback.

Skills

Strong technical / electronics background

Experienced in EE component sourcing

Intermediate / advanced Excel skills

Knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems

Education

Degree/HNC or equivalent level in an Engineering/Technical Subject

Job description

Graphcore is one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute.

It is developing hardware, software and systems infrastructure that will unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs and power the widespread adoption of AI solutions across every industry.

As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore is a member of an elite family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies. Together, they share a bold vision: to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone.

Graphcore’s teams are drawn from diverse backgrounds and bring a broad range of skills and perspectives. A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems architects, Graphcore enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation.

Job Summary

Our team is at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution, enabling innovators from all industries and sectors to expand human potential with technology. The availability of specialised artificial intelligence compute will be a decisive factor in AI’s rate of progress. Graphcore allows innovators to go further, faster. What we do, really makes a difference.

We are looking for a Senior Manufacturing & NPI Buyer who will report to the Procurement Manager and will have accountability for the delivery of project and programme procurement and cost services.

The Team

The role will be as part of the Supply Chain team at Graphcore. This team is part of the Operations group and has members in Bristol and Taiwan. The team is responsible for developing and maintaining a robust manufacturing subcontract supply chain for Graphcore.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Collaborate with the Graphcore engineering team to identify and source key electrical commodities and critical components (capacitors, resistors, memory, PCBs, cabling, etc.), ensuring alignment with Graphcore’s technical roadmap and business objectives.
• Manage purchase orders and deliveries.
• Negotiate, purchase, and expedite production components in support of NPI builds and business requirements.
• Research and qualify new suppliers to expand the supply base.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and shorten delivery lead times.
• Navigate and manage complex, multi‑layer BOMs with confidence.
• Monitor supplier performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Track and report actual vs. planned costs (PPV).
• Partner with other operations stakeholders to maintain accurate BoM cost updates.
• Verify NDA status with suppliers and coordinate renewals or execution of new agreements.

Candidate Profile

• Strong technical / electronics background.
• Experienced in EE component sourcing.
• Degree/HNC or equivalent level in an Engineering/Technical Subject.
• Experience in applying budgeting and cost control techniques within a complex environment.
• Advanced knowledge of cost management techniques.
• Intermediate / advanced Excel skills, good knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems.

In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working, a generous annual leave policy, private medical insurance and health cash plan, a dental plan, pension (matched up to 5%), life assurance and income protection. We have a generous parental leave policy and an employee assistance programme (which includes health, mental wellbeing, and bereavement support). We offer a range of healthy food and snacks at our central Bristol office and have our own barista bar! We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we’re committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Sponsorship

Applicants for this position must hold the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately at this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support for visa applications.