Senior Buyer (Electronics)

The Opportunity We're looking for a Senior Buyer who can strengthen our supply chain, build strategic supplier partnerships and keep critical electronic components moving reliably into our products. This is a great opportunity for someone with strong technical understanding and commercial awareness to add real value, navigate complex supplier markets, support our engineering teams and help maintain a smooth, efficient production flow.In this role, you'll take ownership of electronic sourcing, influence key decisions and play a key part in shaping the procurement strategy behind some of the most advanced defence technology in the industry.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 £40,000 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.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 DoingElectronic Sourcing: Leading the procurement of electronic components, PCB assemblies, harnesses and related hardwareSupplier Management: Building strong supplier relationships, negotiating favourable terms and driving performance in cost, quality and deliveryTechnical Collaboration: Working closely with engineering teams to interpret specifications and ensure components meet technical requirementsRisk Management: Managing long-term supply agreements and implementing mitigation strategies for critical, high-risk or long-lead itemsMarket Analysis: Tracking industry trends such as obsolescence and lead-time fluctuations and communicating impacts to stakeholdersCost & Process Improvement: Analysing spend, delivering cost-reduction initiatives and continuously improving procurement processesData Accuracy: Maintaining accurate supplier, pricing and lead-time information within the ERP systemIssue Resolution: Addressing supply disruptions, expediting orders when required and maintaining clear communication across the organisationWhat You'll BringProcurement Experience: Proven experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within a high-technology manufacturing environmentElectronics Knowledge: Strong understanding of electronic components, PCB assemblies, harnesses and related supply chain constraintsNegotiation Strength: Excellent negotiation skills and experience managing supplier performanceTechnical Ability: Able to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs and technical documentationSystems Capability: Experience using ERP/MRP systems (we use Infor Syteline)Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to identifying and solving problemsCommunication Skills: Effective communicator with strong stakeholder-management capabilitiesPrioritisation & Pace: Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environmentQualifications: CIPS qualified or working toward CIPSMore 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