Job Title: Buyer
Who Are We:
Auxitrol Weston Operating Unit (OU) consists of 3 manufacturing plants, Auxitrol SAS (France), Weston Aerospace Ltd (UK), Auxitrol Weston (Mexico), with 3 R&D departments in France, UK and Norwich Aero Products Inc (US) along with 3 repair capabilities in France, UK & Singapore.
Our world-renowned expertise, places us at the forefront of suppliers.
Weston Aerospace Ltd has approximately 175 employees at Farnborough whose responsibilities are to design and manufacture temperature, speed and pressure sensors for gas turbine and airframe applications.
We also have extensive environmental test facilities to verify our products’ performance, replicating and exceeding hostile operating conditions.
We have another smaller manufacturing dedicated analogue indicator site based at Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire with 16 employees.
Job Overview / Purpose:
We welcome people who share our determination and high standards to join us in doing work that moves the world forward.
We’re seeking a detail-driven, focused Buyer to join our Procurement function. The main purpose of this role is to manage the day to day purchasing activities of our directed source supply base, Subcontract and Intercompany supply. Clear communication is needed to ensure the timely supply of materials and adherence to “TAT” Turn around Times for Customer Repairs and program support. The role will see the Buyer work closely with the customer service team to ensure customer requirements and priorities are flowed down to the Supply base.
Working alongside the Operational Buyers the Buyer will assist and support the team where necessary on the execution of Operational tasks and will work alongside the Strategic Buyers with strategic development of suppliers.
The Buyer will assist with the maintenance and distribution of key departmental and supplier performance indicators (KPI’s)
Primary Responsibilities
This is a role requiring a dynamic and energetic person with experience in purchasing within amanufacturing environment (Aerospace preferred). The role operates in a fast-paced Operations environment, and the person shall be capable of being flexible in managing and prioritising changing business priorities.
The key purpose of this role is to ensure the supply of materials from Directed Source,Subcontract and Intercompany sources driving supplier performance in achieving the required levels in support of overall business objectives. Suppliers are measured using On Time in Full (OTIF), and the Purchasing specialist will ensure compliance against the 5 Rs of Purchasing, Right: Part, quantity, quality, time and cost. Management of actions driven out by operationalneeds and risks identified by all levels within the supply chain providing production materials and services operating within an MRP environment. The role is primarily an operational role but will support the Strategic purchasing team in supplier development activities.
Key Responsibilities / Day-To-Day Tasks
Materials
• Reviewing MRP demand and raising of Purchase Orders, managing through to delivery – expediting parts where needed
• Converting Purchase Requisitions in to Purchase Orders
• Analysis of supply failures and complete corrective actions for all root causes
• Identify risk within the supply chain and manage appropriate plans to address these in line with recognised tools and standards
• Manage and maintain the Purchase orders working to ensure that the suppliers OTIF is not impacted when orders are split or pulled forward
• Update key MRP parameters in the Business ERP system
Suppliers
• Manage orders and support fluctuations in production demand ensuring the right parts flow through for production, reducing the level of internal works order release impacts.
• Perform regular supplier visits and complete operational business reviews.
• Identify “problematic suppliers”, review performance history and take ownership for the definition and delivery of actions to achieve a robust solution and recovery of performance. Demonstrate visibility with a detailed action plan and timeline
• Run Request for Quotes (RFQ’s)
• Liaise with Intercompany plants to ensure fulfilment in line with end customer requirements.
• Build and maintain Supplier relationships
Communication & Teamwork
• Representing Auxitrol Weston to Suppliers, and Suppliers to Auxitrol Weston
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and manage required expectations
• Communicate well as part of the team, ensuring queries are resolved in a timely manner
• Support colleagues and other duties as required
• Work with Strategic Purchasing team on Supplier issues, delivery and cost challenges
• Provide BU Supplier Chain Manager with Key Performance Indicators
Reporting
• Open Order Report response rate
• Material Review Tracker
• Supplier On Time Delivery in Full
• Supplier TAT “Turnaround Time” Metrics
Continuous Improvement
• Using principles of root cause analysis to support the implementation of corrective actions
• Contribute to and lead key improvement projects related to systems and processes in use both within the department and cross-functionally
• Administration – maintaining electronic and physical filing, 5S and time management
Qualifications/Skills/Experience
Essential
• Thorough understanding of MRP systems and the supply chain relevant parameters that influence and drive the operational excellence of the business
• Previous purchasing experience of mechanical or electrical parts used within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience expediting and driving improvements to OTIF
• Confident and professional manner in dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Task performance driven and tenacious
• Strong individual capable of working on own initiative whilst being a good team player
• Excellent IT skills and user knowledge of Microsoft Office – strong excel skills, use of V Lookup and Pivot tables
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel both internationally and domestically
Desirable
• Purchasing experience within Aerospace and with medium volume / high mix production environment
• Previous experience of managing / supervising a team
• MCIPS qualification or studying towards, Level 4 minimum
• Qualification in engineering or a business discipline (ideally degree qualified) or experience in working in a technical environment
• Understanding and experience of export regulations and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Experience in a lean manufacturing / Supply Chain
• Continuous improvement and problem-solving experience
Competencies
• Customer Focus: knows how and understand the needs of internal and external customers. Is result orientated and works hard to consistently provide exceptional service
• Ethics and Values: adheres to an effective set of core values and beliefs and acts in accordance
• Integrity and Trust: widely trusted and seen as direct and truthful
• Values Diversity: supports fair and equal treatment of all
• Problem Solving: Looks beyond the obvious to find effective solutions
• Functional technical skills: possesses the skills to be effective in the job and has the skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment
• Listening: practices active and attentive listening, able to hear others
• Action orientated: full on energy, willing to take action
• Composure: cool under pressure, not knocked off balance by the unexpected is a settling influence
