Buyer

We are seeking a high-performing, action-oriented Buyer to join the Orbitworks team to support the rapid setup of our satellite manufacturing facility in the UAE. This role is crucial to ensuring the fast-paced procurement of materials and services with accuracy, efficiency, and accountability. The ideal candidate will be a swiss-army knife, filling some operational gaps, who thrives in high-pressure environments, is a self-starter, and has a track record of success in a manufacturing or industrial procurement context.

About This Role:

• • Source and procure materials, hardware, and services, ensuring timely delivery to meet engineering and production requirements.
  • Lead subcontracting efforts, including the preparation, negotiation, and management of purchase orders, contracts, and subcontracts.
  • Negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal pricing, terms, and delivery schedules, while ensuring long-term, sustainable supplier relationships.
  • Oversee inventory levels, ensuring materials are available when needed and work with internal teams to develop and implement procurement strategies that align with company goals.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards. Continuously improve and streamline procurement and subcontracting processes.
  • Prepare, analyze, and manage purchase orders, contracts, and agreements. Proactively resolve conflicts or issues with suppliers, addressing any contractual disputes or delivery concerns.
  • Work closely with engineering, production, and logistics teams to understand material and service needs, aligning procurement activities with production schedules.
  • Track purchasing activity, report on spending, and provide insights to leadership regarding procurement performance, trends, and opportunities for cost optimization.
  • Coordinate logistics for deliveries, ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation solutions.
  • Leverage different contractual agreements with vendors (e.g., bulk pricing agreements, blanket orders, not to exceed purchase orders, stocking agreements, and vendor-managed inventory agreements) to optimize the supply chain.
  • Manage supplier communications, follow-ups, and expedite orders proactively to avoid delays.
  • Maintain up-to-date, thorough procurement documentation and audit trails.
  • Identify and flag potential supplier risks, delays, or cost deviations early and propose mitigation steps.
  • Ensure ERP data accuracy (NetSuite preferred) – pricing, lead times, PO tracking, GRN status.
  • Support the Supply Chain Director in developing sourcing plans and onboarding new suppliers as needed.
  • This is a contractual role based in the UAE. Only candidates with valid UAE residency and work authorization will be considered. Preference will be given to those with prior experience in setting up procurement functions during manufacturing ramp-ups or greenfield projects.

Must Haves:

• • Minimum 3-5 years of procurement experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment (aerospace or defense preferred).
  • Strong understanding of subcontract management and procurement principles, with a proven track record in negotiating and managing contracts.
  • Expert negotiation skills and the ability to secure favorable terms with suppliers while maintaining strong, collaborative relationships.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently met.
  • Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems, procurement software, and contract management tools.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., supply chain management, business administration, or engineering).
  • Good understanding of software concepts and hands-on experience with tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Dropbox, Google suite etc.
  • Strong ERP proficiency – experience with NetSuite highly preferred.
  • UAE-based and available for immediate deployment.
  • Excellent communication (written and spoken) and negotiation skills with vendors and internal teams.
  • Detail-oriented with strong documentation and organization abilities.
  • A proactive mindset – anticipates challenges and takes initiative to resolve issues without waiting for instruction.

Orbitworks’ mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital’s heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.