Buyer (CIPS 4)

Orbex are for an experienced, level 4 CIPS-qualified Buyer to join our procurement team. As a buyer with Orbex you will play a critical role in supporting the sourcing and procurement activities for the Orbex prime launch vehicle and supporting projects. Your expertise in procurement best practices and supply chain management will be instrumental in ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, any experience of Export Controlled, high technology or ITAR-restricted products would be beneficial.  

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential suppliers and vendors that meet the technical and quality requirements of Orbex.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand project requirements and develop effective procurement strategies.
• Work closely with QA to ensure parts are properly and compliantly sourced and work with internal stakeholders to ensure goods in are appropriately handled.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including RFx preparation, bid evaluation, contract negotiations, and supplier selection.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring open lines of communication and resolving any issues that may arise, ensuring that parts are supplied with he correct certifications and data stored correctly.
• Analyze and negotiate contractual terms and conditions to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Continuously monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to delivery schedules, quality standards, and cost targets.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives and value engineering opportunities while maintaining the highest level of quality.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and strategic sourcing.
• Proactively identify potential supply chain risks and implement contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Ensure all procurement activities align with Orbex Space's policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

• CIPS Level 4 qualification or equivalent, demonstrating a strong understanding of procurement principles and supply chain management.
• Proven experience as a Buyer in a technical and challenging environment, preferably within the aerospace or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, sourcing methodologies, and contract management.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in analyzing data, generating reports, and utilizing data-driven insights for decision-making.
• Confident in working with modern ERPsoftware, ideally for regulated industries such as Infor SyteLine.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Solid understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement and supply chain activities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and tools to streamline processes.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in the aerospace, space, defence or electronics industry.
• Familiarity with export control regulations and ITAR compliance.

Location

This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

Benefits

For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:-

• Competitive salary
• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful. 
• Company Cycle to Work scheme