Junior Buyer

The Opportunity We're looking for a Junior Buyer who's eager to build their career in procurement and play a key role in keeping our purchasing operations running smoothly. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who's organised, detail-driven and ready to learn, supporting the wider procurement team to ensure components and services reach our engineering and production teams on time.In this role, you'll support routine purchasing activity, maintain accurate data in our systems, collaborate with suppliers and help keep the day-to-day flow of materials moving across the business.Who We AreOpenWorks 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.Why You'll Love Working With UsJoin a high-energy, collaborative team where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do.Here's what our benefits have to offer:Competitive remuneration package, salary from £26,000 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 mind for you and your loved ones.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.What You'll Be DoingPurchase Order Processing: Handling requisitions and issuing purchase orders for low- to medium-complexity goodsSubcontract Service Coordination: Obtaining quotes and placing orders with subcontracted service providersOrder Progressing: Monitoring open purchase orders, flagging delays and working with suppliers to resolve issuesERP Data Management: Maintaining accurate supplier details, pricing, lead times and part information in the ERP systemSupplier Administration: Keeping supplier documentation up to date and maintaining accurate recordsInvoice Support: Assisting with invoice matching and basic query resolution in collaboration with financeTeam Support: Providing ad-hoc administrative support such as filing, document management and process updatesContinuous Improvement: Assisting with procurement process improvements to enhance efficiencyWhat You'll BringEarly Procurement Experience: Some experience in procurement, purchasing or administrative support is helpful but not essentialOrganisation & Accuracy: Strong attention to detail and good organisational skillsSystems Confidence: Comfortable using IT systems. ERP/MRP experience is desirable (we use Infor Syteline)Clear Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for supplier and internal liaisonProcurement Awareness: Basic understanding of purchasing processes and supplier managementAbility to Prioritise: Comfortable working across multiple tasks in a fast-paced environmentPositive Attitude: Proactive problem-solving approach and enthusiasm to learnData Skills: Excel and experience with basic data analysis skills is a plusQualifications: A-levels, equivalent or a relevant vocational qualification. CIPS (or working towards it) is desirable but not essentialMore about us:VisionHelp protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.MissionBe a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.ValuesBe a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honestDo cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff doneBe empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibilityWe are one team: Look out for each other and the teamThings go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move onHave fun: We're doing amazing things with passionate people