Job Title: Senior Buyer - Electronics
About Us
DTC | A Codan Company is a technology company based in Whiteley, Hampshire.
We specialise in the research and development of wireless and critical RF communication systems.
Our Engineers work at the edge of what is scientifically possible, using every advancement in technology to our advantage.
Our technology is deployed by our customers to give them an unrivalled ability to wirelessly transmit data over long ranges with high reliability and security. We are well established across multiple markets such as military and defence, uncrewed vehicles such as drones, police and government, and broadcast technology.
About The Role
The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and managing a high-performing supply base that delivers cost-effective, high-quality electronic components to support new product introduction and ongoing production. The role ensures supplier performance, supply chain resilience, and compliance within a regulated manufacturing environment while driving strategic sourcing and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead supplier selection, evaluation, commercial negotiation, and contract award for electronic components and associated commodities.
• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, operational requirements, and market conditions.
• Build and maintain a high-performing supply chain that delivers competitive cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and continuity of supply.
• Establish, monitor, and manage supplier performance through key performance indicators (KPIs), driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead commercial negotiations and execute supply agreements with strategic suppliers and key vendors.
• Resolve supply chain issues relating to quality, delivery, shortages, and supplier performance through effective collaboration with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Conduct market analysis and supplier intelligence to identify new sourcing opportunities, emerging technologies, cost trends, and supply risks.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience.
• Manage inventory policies within assigned categories to optimise stock levels, minimise liability, reduce lead times, and support uninterrupted production.
• Support Engineering and Business Development teams by providing market insight on component availability, technology developments, and design-for-manufacture considerations.
• Lead End-of-Life (EOL) and component obsolescence management activities, ensuring proactive continuity planning.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with ISO 9001 standards, company procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects by securing appropriate suppliers and ensuring timely material availability.
The Successful Candidate Will Ideally Have
• Proven experience in Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) and/or electronic component sourcing and distribution.
• Strong knowledge of the global electronic components market, including supply chain trends, pricing, and availability.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier management, commercial negotiation, contract management, and strategic sourcing.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies for low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments.
• Ability to interpret technical requirements and communicate effectively with suppliers.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain functions.
• Excellent analytical, commercial, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g. aerospace, defence)
• Knowledge of supplier quality systems, continuous improvement methodologies, and ISO 9001 standards is desirable.
• MCIPS qualification, or working towards CIPS accreditation, would be advantageous. Fully conversant with Microsoft applications.
• Must be flexible and accommodating to last minute changes to support business and customer needs
Additional requirements:
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Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to support business and supplier needs.
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The successful candidate must be willing and eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.
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Regular travel will be required to visit suppliers locally, nationally, and internationally
