Purchase Manager jobs in United Kingdom

We’re looking for an experienced Logistics Coordinator to ensure our international movement of goods run smoothly and compliantly. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll manage daily logistics activity, work closely with freight partners, and ensure every shipment meets the right standards and controls.

You’ll need practical, proven experience with export controls (including Military List and dual‑use classifications), import/export processes and the handling of dangerous goods, as these are central to the work you’ll be doing.

If you enjoy balancing detail with pace, solving problems and playing a key part in moving high‑tech products across the world safely and legally, this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact.

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra‑high performance, real‑time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high‑profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high‑profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

Join a high‑energy, collaborative team where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced and people genuinely love what they do.

• Competitive remuneration package, salary from £38,000, with performance‑related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.
• 25 days’ holiday + public holidays, with long‑service rewards and the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
• Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.
• Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.
• Life assurance for peace of minds.
• Salary sacrifice schemes - including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.
• Paid team socials - from quiz nights and football to board games and more; we love to have fun together.
• Pension plan with employer‑matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
• A culture that empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.

Coordinating shipments: managing day‑to‑day inbound and outbound movements across the business.

Preparing documentation: producing commercial invoices, packing lists, end‑user statements and licence references accurately and on time.

Supporting export control compliance: helping ensure goods are correctly classified under the UK Military List or Dual‑Use List.

Assisting with licensing: supporting the Head of Contracts and Compliance with applications and maintaining accurate compliance records.

Managing imports/exports: arranging transport, customs declarations and verifying commodity codes.

Handling temporary movements: preparing and administering ATA Carnets and overseeing temporary exports and imports.

Managing dangerous goods: coordinating shipments of hazardous materials with correct packaging, labelling and documentation.

Liaising with partners: working closely with freight forwarders, couriers, brokers and internal teams to keep shipments on track.

Maintaining records: keeping logistics files, trackers and documentation organised and audit‑ready.

Improving processes: contributing to continuous improvement across logistics and export compliance.

Logistics expertise: proven experience in a logistics or shipping coordination role.

Export control knowledge: understanding of Military List and dual‑use classifications, ITAR/EAR/AUKUS.

Licensing familiarity: experience using export systems such as SPIRE.

Documentation skills: hands‑on experience with import/export paperwork and customs procedures.

Temporary movement experience: preparing and using ATA Carnets and handling temporary imports/exports.

Dangerous goods competence: experience managing and documenting hazardous shipments.

Strong organisation: excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Clear communication: confident working with internal teams and external logistics partners.

Multitasking ability: comfortable balancing several shipments and priorities at once.

Qualifications: recognised training from the Export Control Joint Unit, recognised Dangerous Goods training or similar would be advantageous.

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Be a world‑leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.

Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest

Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done

Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility

We are one team: Look out for each other and the team

Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on

Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people