Strategic Buyer - Battery Industrialisation

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.

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.

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 king 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…