Job Overview

Sources, negotiates and purchases machinery, equipment, tools, raw material, packaging materials, parts, services, and/or supplies necessary for operation of an organization. Compiles and analyzes statistical data to determine feasibility of buying products and to establish price objectives. Monitors performance of suppliers. Compiles information to keep informed on price trends and manufacturing processes. Evaluates areas of opportunity to leverage material acquisitions. Tracks data to keep informed on price trends and manufacturing processes. Negotiates with suppliers and analyzes suppliers' operations to determine factors that affect prices and to determine lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet required schedules. Reviews proposals, negotiates prices, selects or recommends suppliers, analyzes trends, follows up orders placed, verifies delivery, approves payment, and maintains necessary records. May prepare request for proposals (RFP) and bid packages.

Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This work provides resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow.    

Joining Lockheed Martin also means helping to shape significant investment in the North East space sector, with more than £100 million proposed to support high-skill jobs, advanced manufacturing and long-term economic growth. Opportunities include potential satellite manufacturing in County Durham and collaboration with NESST – the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre at Northumbria University – helping to build a strong pipeline of talent, learning and innovation.        
                     
This is your chance to work on mission-critical technology, develop cutting-edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.

Role and Responsibilities

The Project Buyer will work with the Supply Chain Management Team (SMT), engaging with external suppliers and holding responsibility for third-party deliverables across capture opportunities and programmes. This includes a focus on commercial, cost, technical, schedule, and quality requirements for each contracted product or service. A broad range of relevant procurement experience, including working with external suppliers and regular interaction with internal stakeholders, is required.

The individual selected for this role will be responsible for:

• Working within the functional Supply Chain team and project Supplier Management Teams for both internal and supplier interactions.
• Sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing machinery, equipment, tools, raw materials, packaging materials, parts, services, and/or supplies.
• Generating bid packages, engaging with suppliers to obtain proposals, and negotiating orders, including pricing and schedule.
• Managing orders and deliveries to ensure key criteria such as cost, quality, and delivery performance are achieved.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Strong procurement skills
• Experience in working in multi-functional organisations and a proven ability to achieve profession and business goals.
• Capable of operating to tight schedules in a dynamic work environment.
• Confident self-starter, with an ability to innovate and think laterally, work confidently both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to work within established processes and procedures.
• Good communicator with the ability to form strong long term relationships with internal teammates and external suppliers.
• UK Citizenship; Current SC clearance or ability to achieve.
• Flexibility to travel as required (UK and abroad)