Operations Coordinator (Planning & Purchasing)

About the role

We are looking for an Operations Coordinator to support our planning and purchasing functions.

You will plan and manage materials, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure timely procurement to keep our advanced manufacturing running smoothly.

Your role is essential in ensuring the right parts arrive at the right time for optimal production flow.

This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of our operations, working with our sophisticated Fastems automation systems and supporting our 24/7 manufacturing capability.

Salary

£32,000 – £42,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About Us

R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions.

Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights-out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications.

We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.

Back to Vacancies

Key responsibilities

  • Plan and manage materials to support production schedules
  • Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely procurement of materials and services
  • Raise and manage purchase orders in line with company procedures
  • Monitor stock levels and maintain accurate inventory records
  • Support production planning and scheduling activities
  • Liaise with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve supply issues
  • Negotiate pricing and delivery terms with suppliers
  • Track and expedite orders to meet production deadlines
  • Maintain supplier performance records and support supplier development
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

  • Experience in planning, purchasing, or supply chain within manufacturing
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Excellent communication skills for supplier and internal liaison
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems
  • Detail-oriented with strong numerical accuracy
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Proactive approach with good problem-solving skills
  • Team player with the ability to work across departments

Desirable

  • Experience in aerospace or precision engineering sector
  • CIPS or equivalent purchasing qualification
  • Knowledge of lean principles and inventory management
  • Experience with Epicor or similar ERP systems
  • Understanding of aerospace material specifications and traceability

We Offer

  • Competitive salary as advertised
  • 25 days holiday plus public holidays
  • Pension scheme with employer contributions
  • Life Assurance
  • Bike2Work Scheme
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Business mileage allowance
  • Company laptop and mobile phone provided
  • On-site parking at our modern facility
  • Team building events

How to Apply

Please apply through Indeed.

Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered, as we will not be sponsoring visas for this role.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Recruitment Team, R E Thompson

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