Strategic Buyer - Space Industry (UK)

Ramon.Space; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space industry company is seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer to join their dynamic team. This role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring efficient procurement processes. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in aerospace, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This is a great opportunity to contribute to innovative projects in an evolving industry.

Qualifications

• Significant strategic procurement experience in aerospace or high-tech environments.
• Proven experience with complex engineered systems like satellite components.
• Familiarity with ITAR and EAR export compliance regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high-value materials.
• Negotiate long-term agreements and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Proactively manage risks related to supply chain disruptions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Understanding engineering requirements

Education

CIPS membership or equivalent

Professional certifications such as MCIPS

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Strategic Buyer to join our team in the dynamic and fast-evolving space industry. This role is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing critical supplier relationships, general supply chain management, and ensuring the on-time and cost-effective procurement of materials, components and services. This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on professional who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment where no two days are the same.

This role balances long-term sourcing initiatives with daily operational support, helping mainly the R&D organization meet its supply chain, cost, and quality objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Sourcing: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high-value and high-complexity materials, components, and services.

• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers to ensure they meet quality, delivery, cost, and compliance requirements.

• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate long-term agreements, pricing, and terms with suppliers; ensure compliance with legal, export control (e.g. ITAR/EAR), and industry regulations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, R&D, Quality Assurance, and Project Management to understand technical requirements and ensure alignment with procurement strategies.

• Market Analysis: Monitor global supply markets for key commodities and technologies relevant to the space sector; identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Risk Management: Proactively assess and manage risks related to supply chain disruptions, obsolescence, and geopolitical issues.

• Daily Operational Support:

• Support the R&D requirements as well as the production supply chain
• Process purchase orders (POs) and ensure timely confirmation and deliveries.
• Handle order tracking, expediting and urgent supply issues.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and coordinate with Accounts Payable and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate supplier and material master data in ERP system.
• Provide daily support to R&D and logistics teams to prevent material shortages.
• Communicate order status and delivery updates to internal stakeholders.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• CIPS membership or equivalent or qualified by experience.
• Demonstrated significant strategic procurement experience, purchasing and supply chain experience in aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing environments – sourcing PCBs, electronics and mechanical components.
• Proven experience working with complex engineered systems (e.g. satellite components and subsystem).
• Familiarity with export compliance regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR).
• Understanding of quality standards (e.g. ISO9001, AS9100) and compliance requirements.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering requirements and BOMs.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to perform detailed cost and risk assessment.
• Adaptable, collaborative, and capable of working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Desirable:

• Professional certifications such as MCIPS, or equivalent
• Experience with New Space companies or startups.
• Experience in continuous improvement methodologies.

Ramon.Space operates with a RPO Talent Partner and does not accept agency resumes without a signed agreement. Please do not forward resumes to our job’s alias, our employees, or any other company location. Ramon.Space is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with us.

Ramon.Space is committed to equal employment opportunities.