Project Buyer - FTC

Ultra Precision Control Systems (PCS) is looking for a Project Buyer to join the supply chain team on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. This role will support bid activity by consolidating costings, negotiating competitive pricing, and ensuring quotations align with bid requirements and customer flow‑downs. The Project Buyer will also manage project coordination for new product introductions (NPI), liaising with engineering/design teams, suppliers for manufacturing readiness, and sourcing the NPI items to support the Supply Chain team.

• Consolidate costings for bid activity, ensuring all cost data is accurate, comprehensive, and delivered within required timelines.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing while maintaining adherence to bid requirements and customer flow‑downs.
• Evaluate supplier quotations to ensure they conform to technical, commercial, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to address bid‑specific challenges and risks.

• Act as the primary Supply Chain stakeholder for NPI projects, engaging with Engineering and Design teams to ensure smooth integration with supply chain activities.
• Liaise with suppliers to review and optimise designs for manufacturability (DFM), ensuring cost‑effective and production‑ready solutions.
• Project manage the sourcing and procurement of NPI components, ensuring timely delivery to support project timelines.
• Develop and maintain project plans, including tracking key milestones and supplier deliverables for NPI projects.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to support both bid and NPI activities.
• Assess and qualify suppliers in alignment with company policies and quality standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues impacting delivery, cost, or quality.

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes and cost‑efficiency in bid support and NPI project delivery.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of supply chain strategies to enhance performance and competitiveness.

• Proven experience in a procurement or project buying role, ideally within the aerospace or defence sector.
• Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to achieve competitive pricing and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Experience managing NPI projects, including working with engineering and design teams and engaging with suppliers on DFM activities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Familiarity with customer flow‑down requirements, technical specifications, and quality standards.
• Proficient in using ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement certification.
• Experience in a regulated industry such as aerospace, defence, or automotive.
• Knowledge of lean practices and continuous improvement methodologies.