Strategic Buyer - Space Industry (UK)

Ramon.Space; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in the space industry is seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer to join their team in the UK. The role involves developing sourcing strategies and managing supplier relationships to ensure timely procurement of materials and services. Candidates should have significant procurement experience in aerospace or high-tech sectors, along with strong communication and negotiation skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to exciting projects in a fast-paced start-up environment.

Qualifications

• CIPS membership or equivalent or qualified by experience.
• Demonstrated significant strategic procurement experience in aerospace or high-tech manufacturing.
• Familiar with ITAR, EAR compliance regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high-complexity materials.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers for quality and compliance.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Strong communication

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Experience with ERP/MRP systems

Education

CIPS membership or equivalent

Significant strategic procurement experience

Experience in aerospace or defence environments

Tools

ERP 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 is committed to equal employment opportunities.