AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited

2 job(s) at AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited

AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire
Mar 18, 2026
Full time
Purpose As a Category Buyer, you will take ownership for a defined group of commodities within upholstery and soft trim, being a focal point for the business and providing commodity management expertise. You'll manage supplier relationships, issue RFQ s and tenders, negotiate contracts, drive cost reduction initiatives, improve supplier performance and control delivery of goods / materials to ensure smooth manufacturing operations, in a thriving NPI production environment. In addition, you will contribute to creation of commodity sourcing strategies aligned with market trends and business goals. Key Responsibilities - Build and manage supplier relationships, driving performance, quality and on-time delivery to Operations and other internal departmental needs and requirements - Serve as the focal point for Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities with suppliers - Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, resolving technical, quality and delivery issues in collaboration with internal stakeholders - Lead end-to-end sourcing activity, including RFIs, RFQs, supplier evaluation and contract award - Negotiate pricing, lead times and commercial terms / LTA s to achieve cost savings - Drive sustainable and ethical sourcing practices across the supply-chain - Develop, create and deliver Procurement strategies for the commodities and critical suppliers, securing a global supply base that meets the business cost, reliability and performance targets - Contribute to the overall Procurement make vs buy strategy, identifying opportunities and synergies both within the supply chain and current make portfolio - Provide recommendations based on analysis, research, trends, benchmarking and best practice - Leverage project / change management skills to manage outsourcing / re-sourcing projects Key Performance Measures - On-time ordering (Purchasing placement) to the MRP demand signal - Supplier delivery (OTIF) and quality (defect rate) performance - Creation and execution of commodity specific sourcing strategies - Spend control (vs budget) and attainment of annual cost reduction targets Key Challenges An appropriate balance of Purchasing (transactional) vs Procurement (strategic) Operating in an NPI business environment, meaning; Heavily reliance on master data, planning, engineering and design collaboration A high reliance on an agile yet robust supply-chain, to support variability in manufacturing processes and component design Knowledge, Education, Skills and Experience Knowledge: Category Supply Market knowledge, as detailed below; Upholstery Commodity (Interior décor for Aerospace cabin systems) Upholstery, fabrics, leathers, thread, and webbing materials Critical features include appearance, comfort and durability Driven by functional needs and aesthetic design A diverse commodity driven by consumer personalisation, expanded even more through eco-friendly (renewable / recycled) and high performance requirement Education CIPS qualification / Advanced Practitioner or equivalent is preferred Skills and competencies required Adept at maintaining business relationships with internal and external stakeholders, even in geographically dispersed teams Able to proactively identify and evaluate issues, and problem solve with creative and innovative thinking, in complex / ambiguous situations and with incomplete data The ability to influence decision making at all levels, and across all functions Skilled negotiator with both external and internal stakeholders Collaborative team player able to work across businesses and geographies Strong initiative and commitment to accomplishing work and achieving results / deadlines Demonstrates exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers Offers new ideas and creative suggestions for continuous improvement Ability to interpret technical manufacturing drawings and part templates Actively participates in professional development and training opportunities Leader or influencer of change (processes, projects, procedures) Professional-level communication required (verbal, written, listening) Intermediate to advanced technology skills (ERP, PowerBI, Microsoft Office) High degree of integrity as data confidentiality is paramount to this position Ability to create, analyse, interpret, summarise and effectively communicate complex information Professional experience - Demonstrated experience in commodity procurement (>3 years) Upholstery and Soft Trim commodities strongly preferred - Demonstrated experience of Procuring for an NPI production environment is preferred - Demonstrated Procurement experience (>5 years) in a manufacturing environment Aerospace or highly regulated industry is preferred - Demonstrated development and execution of structured commodity strategies, including negotiating pricing agreements and creation of contracts - Sound understanding of end-to-end supply-chain planning and MRP systems Key Relationships & Interaction (Optional) Internal Relationships & Interactions: Confident working with all key individuals and teams in the supply chain and operational functions External Relationships & Interactions : Confident working with external suppliers of all sizes and in all geographies Other material requirements, such as working arrangements, travel requirements Travel as and when required Please note; - Numerous positions at AVIC Cabin Systems UK LTD are governed by security and export control regulations. These rules indicate that elements such as your nationality/ any prior nationalities you may have held, and your birthplace can influence the positions you are qualified to undertake within the organisation. All candidates must at least meet the baseline personnel security standard. Additionally, certain roles demand elevated levels of National security vetting ACS UK ltd is an equal opportunities employer
AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire
Mar 14, 2026
Full time
Purpose Support manufacturing engineering activities in one or a combination of the following areas of responsibilities: - Production - Process design - Equipment/Tool design - Quality & continuous Improvement Key Responsibilities General and Task Management - Support continuous improvement to enhance the capability of existing processes and remove waste. - Investigate Engineering issues on the production line. Raise NCRs and WQN where appropriate and managing the process through to CIB and implementation on the production line. - Review new Designs and raise Work Instructions to support the Production Team. - Attend MRB to review and disposition parts. - Attend CRB meetings to review Engineering Changes and provide implementation plans for revised or new product. - Support jig and fixture design and tool design. - Identify and justify capital equipment investment. - Analyse downtime, identify trends and develop solutions. - Ensure accuracy of manufacturing engineering procedures, documentation and systems data. - Attend various meetings and report to the Senior Leadership Team and GM level when required. - Produce written reports and make presentations. - Perform root cause analysis (5 Why, 8Ds) to resolve problems permanently. - Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks relative to the value stream or central function. - Travel may be requested to other companies within the AVIC Cabin Systems family. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The successful applicant will be expected to perform varying tasks as required by their line manager & the overall objectives of the organisation. Self-Management - Support, comply and ensure complicity with Health & Safety regulations, the Company Handbook, Quality and Environmental standards, and all other Company policies and procedures - Comply with the Health, Safety and Environmental Policies - Proactively contribute to creating a good team atmosphere - Anticipates and overcomes obstacles - Makes useful links to arrive at insightful plans and solutions - Embraces personal challenge - Confident, rounded thinking - Is self-aware - Is resilient, optimistic and open to change Key Performance Measures Safety Quality Cost Delivery Knowledge, Education, Skills and Experience (Essential Criteria) Knowledge: - Understanding of composite materials and manufacturing processes. - Working knowledge of Airbus and or Boeing systems and processes. - Good working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD - Good knowledge and experience of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and Lean Manufacturing techniques would be beneficial Education & Professional experience - Manufacturing/Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering degree or similar discipline is desirable. - Previous experience in a similar environment, i.e. automotive or aerospace is beneficial but not essential. - Engineering graduates will also be considered. Skills required - Self-supervising within the expectations of senior management - Thorough understanding of manufacturing processes - Understanding of engineering, scientific and other technical information - Understanding of lean manufacturing - Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment - Planning and prioritising activities - Good communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to present data effectively - Problem-solving skills - Understanding of health and safety practices - Team working and leading skills - Analytical skills - Negotiation skills - Ability to effectively train people inside and outside their work group - Distinguished record of creativity and innovation - Develops and applies advanced technologies, engineering principles, theories and concepts - Exercises comprehensive discretion in judgement and initiative in setting and implementing goals - Ability to negotiate the most complex arrangements with groups and stakeholders Key Relationships & Interaction Internal Relationships & Interactions: Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Engineers, Production Managers, Design Engineering, Quality Engineering, CNC Programmers, Master Assemblers, Maintenance Engineers External Relationships & Interactions: OEMs (Airbus, Boeing, etc) 3rd party resource, part, equipment or service providers Please note; Numerous positions at AVIC Cabin Systems UK LTD are governed by security and export control regulations. These rules indicate that elements such as your nationality/ any prior nationalities you may have held, and your birthplace can influence the positions you are qualified to undertake within the organisation. All candidates must at least meet the baseline personnel security standard. Additionally, certain roles demand elevated levels of National security vetting. ACS UK ltd is an equal opportunities employer