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 Are
OpenWorks 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 Us
Join 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 doing
Purchase Order Processing: Handling requisitions and issuing purchase orders for low- to medium-complexity goods
Subcontract Service Coordination: Obtaining quotes and placing orders with subcontracted service providers
Order Progressing: Monitoring open purchase orders, flagging delays and working with suppliers to resolve issues
ERP Data Management: Maintaining accurate supplier details, pricing, lead times and part information in the ERP system
Supplier Administration: Keeping supplier documentation up to date and maintaining accurate records
Invoice Support: Assisting with invoice matching and basic query resolution in collaboration with finance
Team Support: Providing ad-hoc administrative support such as filing, document management and process updates
Continuous Improvement: Assisting with procurement process improvements to enhance efficiency
What you’ll bring
Early Procurement Experience: Some experience in procurement, purchasing or administrative support is helpful but not essential
Organisation & Accuracy: Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills
Systems 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 liaison
Procurement Awareness: Basic understanding of purchasing processes and supplier management
Ability to Prioritise: Comfortable working across multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Positive Attitude: Proactive problem-solving approach and enthusiasm to learn
Data Skills: Excel and experience with basic data analysis skills is a plus
Qualifications: A-levels, equivalent or a relevant vocational qualification. CIPS (or working towards it) is desirable but not essential
More about us:
Vision
Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.
Mission
Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.
Values
Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest
Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done
Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility
We are one team: Look out for each other and the team
Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on
Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people