Job Title: Project Buyer
Location: Cheltenham
12 Month FTC
Key Skills: Buyer, Engineering, Aerospace, Bids, NPI, Supplier Management, DFM, Customer, Stakeholder, Lean, Continuous Improvement
A leading technology and engineering business is looking for a Project Buyer to join their Supply Chain team on a fixed-term 12-month contract. The role is key to supporting both bid activities and New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, ensuring competitive costings, strong supplier collaboration, and smooth project delivery.
The Supply Chain function manages both direct and indirect procurement, ensuring materials, goods, and services are delivered on time to meet operational needs and customer requirements. The Project Buyer will act as a key link between internal Engineering/Design teams and external suppliers, supporting project success from initial bid through to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Bid Support
* Consolidate accurate costings for bid activities within agreed timelines.
* Negotiate competitive pricing while ensuring compliance with technical and customer requirements.
* Review supplier quotations against commercial, technical, and quality standards.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to manage risks and resolve challenges.
NPI Project Management
* Act as the primary Supply Chain contact for NPI projects, ensuring alignment with engineering and design.
* Work with suppliers to optimise designs for manufacturability (DFM).
* Manage the sourcing and procurement of NPI components, ensuring timely delivery to project milestones.
* Track risks, supplier deliverables, and project plans to ensure successful outcomes.
Supplier Management
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
* Assess, qualify, and monitor suppliers against company standards.
* Resolve any issues that may impact delivery, cost, or quality.
Continuous Improvement
* Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in bids and NPI projects.
* Support the implementation of supply chain strategies to improve overall performance.
Skills and Experience
Essential
* Proven experience in procurement or project buying, ideally in aerospace, defence, or other regulated industries.
* Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost-competitive outcomes.
* Experience in NPI projects, supplier collaboration, and DFM.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Strong organisational and project management capability.
* Knowledge of flow-down requirements, quality standards, and technical specifications.
* ERP system experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Desirable
* CIPS qualification or equivalent.
* Experience in aerospace, defence, or automotive.
* Knowledge of lean practices and continuous improvement.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence bids and NPI projects in a fast-paced, innovative environment while working closely with engineering and supplier partners.