Sourcing Specialist — Polymers in Advanced Manufacturing

Internetwork Expert; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus

Hybrid/office-based working

Pension scheme

Healthcare cash plan

Job summary

Pineapple is seeking a Sourcing Specialist to join our team in Aylesford, Kent. This role focuses on polymers and advanced manufacturing, working with suppliers to evaluate capabilities and source materials for new product development and existing ranges.

You will lead supplier RFQs, build strong supplier relationships, and collaborate with Materials, Design, Engineering and NPD teams to bring concepts to manufacturable products. Office-based or hybrid, with UK travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in sourcing, supplier development or supplier management within a manufacturing environment (polymers/plastics).
• Strong understanding of polymer materials and manufacturing processes (injection, rotational, extrusion, blow moulding, thermoforming).
• Ability to identify, evaluate and onboard suppliers for new product development and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier RFQs, capability assessments, sample reviews, and negotiations.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard suppliers for new product development.
• Source polymer materials, moulded components and finished products.
• Coordinate supplier visits, audits and technical reviews.
• Support tooling, prototyping and industrialisation through product launch.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships to drive cost, quality and sustainability.
• Collaborate with Materials, Design, Engineering and NPD teams on manufacturing solutions.
• Manage multiple sourcing projects with milestones, risks and deadlines.

Skills

Polymer knowledge

Supplier development

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Degree/HND in Polymer Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Pineapple is seeking a Sourcing Specialist to join our team in Aylesford, Kent. This role focuses on polymers and advanced manufacturing, working with suppliers to evaluate capabilities and source materials for new product development and existing ranges.

You will lead supplier RFQs, build strong supplier relationships, and collaborate with Materials, Design, Engineering and NPD teams to bring concepts to manufacturable products. Office-based or hybrid, with UK travel as needed.