Orbex is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join our team in Forres, Scotland, on a temporary 6-month fixed-term contract, with the potential to become permanent.

In this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting sourcing and procurement activities for the Orbex Prime launch vehicle and related projects.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to gain hands-on experience in procurement and learn best practices within the exciting and innovative space sector.

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. 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.

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

The Position

• Raising and expediting of purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of goods

• Input of vendor and product details into ERP system (we use Odoo)

• Negotiating with vendors and building positive, long-term relationships

• General procurement administration duties, and general support for procurement team

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand project requirements and support development of effective procurement strategies

• Conduct basic market research to support the identification of potential suppliers and vendors that align with Orbex’s quality and technical standards

• Monitor delivery schedules and support tracking of supplier performance against quality and cost expectations

• Collaborate on cost-saving initiatives and support opportunities for value engineering while ensuring quality standards

  Required Skills:

• Basic knowledge of procurement principles, ideally demonstrated through CIPS Level 2 qualification or similar coursework

• Some experience in a procurement or buyer role, with an interest in aerospace, engineering, or similar technical environments

• Familiarity with basic sourcing methodologies and an eagerness to learn contract management skills

• Good communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal teams and suppliers

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and a willingness to learn ERP or procurement software.

  Personality

Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.

It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non technical team members.

You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.

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

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You will be required to obtain CTC clearance for the role.

Benefits

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

• Salary of £28k, negotiable depending on experience  

• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays (pro rata)

• NEST workplace pension 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary. 

• Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps 

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