Procurement Specialist - High-Growth AI Company (Near Cambridge)

My client is a rapidly growing AI and deep-tech company based in the Greater Cambridge area. They are seeking a Procurement Specialist to take ownership of sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management across a wide range of technical and operational categories.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role supporting a fast-scaling organisation, ensuring engineering, R&D, and operations teams have the materials, components, and equipment required to deliver cutting-edge products.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

Manage the full procurement lifecycle: sourcing, quoting, negotiating, purchasing, and tracking orders
Identify and qualify reliable suppliers for electronics, optics, mechanical parts, test equipment, and wider operational needs
Raise POs, manage approvals, and maintain accurate purchasing and order-tracking records
Monitor stock levels and place replenishment orders for critical components

Supplier & Vendor Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers
Evaluate supplier performance, reliability, pricing, and lead times
Negotiate pricing, terms, SLAs, and commercial agreements
Ensure compliance with internal policies, export controls, and regulatory standards

Operational Support & Logistics

Coordinate shipments, deliveries, customs documentation, and logistics arrangements
Work closely with engineering and operations teams to understand technical requirements and timelines
Support R&D, warehouse, and stores teams with timely procurement and delivery of components
Maintain accurate records of assets, tooling, and critical components

Process Development & Governance

Develop scalable procurement processes suited to a fast-growing deep-tech environment
Improve purchasing workflows, documentation, and approval pathways
Support cost control, budgeting, and forecasting in collaboration with Finance
Ensure procurement operates in line with company policies, ethical standards, and defence/security guidelines

Requirements

Essential

Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or buying roles-ideally within engineering, manufacturing, electronics, or technology
Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms
Highly organised with strong attention to detail
Ability to interpret technical specifications or collaborate closely with engineers to clarify requirements
Confident managing multiple suppliers, quotes, and orders at once
Good understanding of procurement systems, POs, invoicing workflows, and inventory processes
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Proactive, solutions-focused, able to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Desirable

Experience in defence, aerospace, robotics, electronics, manufacturing, or hardware-focused tech
Knowledge of export controls (ITAR/EAR), restricted materials, or specialist compliance
Familiarity with technical components such as RF parts, optics, PCBs, cables, sensors, or mechanical hardware
Experience using ERP/MRP systems or procurement software
Understanding of logistics, customs documentation, and international shipping
CIPS qualification or progress toward certification

What's on Offer

An opportunity to build procurement processes from the ground up
High visibility across engineering, R&D, and operational teams
The chance to be part of a fast-growing AI organisation working on cutting-edge technology
A dynamic, hands-on environment ideal for someone who thrives in a scaling, innovative business

Interested? Please Click Apply Now!

Procurement Specialist

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Procurement Specialist