Supply Chain Specialist

Supply Chain Specialist – Defence & Aerospace

£50,000 - £60,000

Location: Harwell

Sector: Defence / Aerospace / Space

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

We’re currently recruiting for a Supply Chain Specialist to join an innovative organisation operating within the defence and aerospace sector.

This is a great opportunity for a procurement professional with experience buying electronic components to work across a range of engineering and production programmes, managing suppliers globally and supporting the delivery of complex technology.

The Role

As a Buyer, you’ll be responsible for managing the procurement of electronic components and associated products, working closely with Engineering, Projects and Quality teams to ensure materials are sourced effectively and delivered on time.

You’ll be involved throughout the full procurement lifecycle, from initial supplier engagement and RFIs through to negotiation, purchase order placement and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure electronic components including PCBs, semiconductors, connectors, resistors, harnesses, sensors and control boards.
• Review technical drawings, BOMs and specifications, working with Engineering to clarify requirements and identify suitable alternatives.
• Manage the procurement process from RFI/RFP through to negotiation, PO placement and delivery.
• Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance, lead times, pricing and delivery.
• Support component obsolescence and technical change activities.
• Negotiate purchase orders, pricing and amendments with suppliers.
• Maintain accurate procurement data across ERP/MRP systems.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality and Project teams to resolve supplier and component-related issues.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with relevant quality, export control and regulatory requirements.
• Support multiple projects and technology programmes simultaneously.

About You

We’re looking for someone with

• 2+ years’ experience within procurement, buying or purchasing.
• Experience within defence, aerospace, space, electronics or another highly regulated engineering environment.
• Experience procuring electronic components or technically complex products.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• An understanding of electronic component lifecycles, obsolescence and alternative/equivalent parts.
• The ability to interpret technical requirements, specifications and BOMs.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, IFS or similar.
• Good commercial awareness and an ability to analyse procurement requirements.
• Experience working with suppliers internationally.
• Strong communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, UK MOD requirements, ITAR, ESA/ECSS, NASA or MIL-STD environments would be advantageous.