Strategic Buyer - Battery Industrialisation

Methodfi; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering electric aviation company is seeking a Strategic Buyer for Battery Industrialisation. In this role, you will lead procurement activity for battery pilot line equipment and services essential for the VX4 aircraft. You will work with technical teams and manage supplier relationships to support both pilot and future production scaling. The ideal candidate brings experience in industrial procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive mindset. Join us to help shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.

Benefits

26 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Additional benefits budget of 4% salary

Company performance-based bonus

Company Share Scheme

Breakfast provided daily

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial or technical procurement in aerospace, automotive, or EV sectors.
• Track record of managing supplier contracts and RFX processes.
• Confidence in translating technical needs into sourcing plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and commercial activity for battery pilot line.
• Negotiate contracts that support industrialisation goals.
• Build and manage supplier relationships for scaling production.

Skills

Technical procurement experience

Strong commercial and negotiation skills

Ability to manage supply chain risks

Communication and stakeholder management skills

Solutions-focused mindset

Education

CIPS qualification or working towards it

Job description

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take‑off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.

We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner‑level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

What to Expect

As Strategic Buyer for Battery Industrialisation, you’ll lead all procurement activity for our battery pilot line - a critical new capability powering the VX4 aircraft. You’ll work closely with Battery Manufacturing Engineers, Facilities, and external partners to source equipment, tools, and services that will enable production from pilot phase to future scale‑up. Reporting to the Senior Indirect Procurement Category Manager, you’ll also collaborate with the wider procurement and industrialisation teams on projects across the VX4 programme. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape a greenfield manufacturing capability at the forefront of electric aviation.

What You’ll Do

• Lead sourcing and commercial activity for battery pilot line equipment, tools, and services
• Run RFX processes, review supplier proposals, and negotiate contracts that support our industrialisation goals
• Translate technical requirements from manufacturing engineers into clear procurement strategies
• Build and manage supplier relationships that can scale from pilot line to high‑volume production
• Support sourcing for wider industrialisation projects, including prototype tooling and test equipment
• Identify and manage risks across the supply chain to support battery line commissioning and readiness
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, and Programme functions
• Ensure procurement activity aligns with budget, schedule, and quality expectations

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in industrial or technical procurement - ideally in aerospace, automotive, EV battery, or automation sectors
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with a track record of managing supplier contracts and RFX processes
• Confidence working with engineering and manufacturing teams to translate technical needs into sourcing plans
• Solid understanding of project planning and how procurement supports operational readiness
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset - comfortable in fast‑paced, evolving environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across multiple disciplines
• Ability to manage supply chain risks and build long‑term supplier partnerships
• CIPS qualification or working toward it is an advantage

What can you expect from us?

We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career.

Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our benefits

• 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
• 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
• 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
• Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
• Award‑winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
• Company performance‑based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance
• Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee
• Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it
• Breakfast on us, every day

We may just be the hardest job you’ve ever had, but we’re confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.

Disclaimer Statement

We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.