Job Description

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe.

The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies. Represent the MTC professionally at all times, operating with honesty and integrity, and highlighting delays and issues openly as they occur.*


Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness.


Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future.


The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.


The Strategic Sourcing Assistant reports into the Strategic Sourcing Manager. Their responsibilities include becoming proficient in all aspects of the procurement process and assisting the Sourcing Manager with industry specific projects and assisting in the development and implementation of sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and providing support with delivering project requirements in a timely manner. This role requires the ability to develop a deep understanding of procurement and supply chain processes and behaviours, including:

Ability to understand and learn how to demonstrate best practice in the buying process, becoming a functional expert in D365 procurement Providing excellent service to internal stakeholders, becoming an exemplar regarding communication and how to react to issues professionally and with the required urgency. Ensure that the MTC is protected from risk by following all required due diligence activities, including but not limited to supplier risk analysis, incoterms evaluation, price negotiations, and contractual terms adherence Developing excellent relationships with MTC suppliers, clearly communicating need and priority, ensuring delivery performance and value for money. Operating as an ambassador for the Supply Chain team through demonstrating professional procurement practices and helping support your teammates.

Main Responsibilities:

Become a key member of the MTC Strategic Sourcing Team, supporting the Strategic Sourcing Manager in the procurement process: user needs analysis; market research; sourcing activity; structure of tenders; market engagement; tender evaluation & negotiation. Adhere to all procurement policies and procedures and regulatory requirements for industry sectors. Manage the selection and onboarding of new suppliers, including analysing their ability to align with MTC values, projects strategic needs, supplier capabilities and our sustainability objectives. Support the Strategic Sourcing Manager in developing and implementing sourcing strategies to optimise cost, quality and delivery. Maintain and manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Ensure management of MTC/Customer flow down T&C's; including them with RFQ's and identify any deviations requested to the Strategic Sourcing Specialist. Creation and management of NDA's. Analyse procurement data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Communicate clearly with internal requestors and other relevant departments regarding the status of requests. React to issues daily created both internally and externally. Negotiate prices where possible and ensure that the MTC receives good service and pricing from its suppliers. Support the Goods-In department to ensure arrival and distribution to relevant department on items procured for Strategic projects. Develop positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as legal, finance and engineering to ensure the smooth operation of the end-to-end supply chain. Communicate requirements to external suppliers clearly and build high-quality collaborative relationships with them. Always represent the MTC professionally, operating with honesty and integrity, working to create a world-class reputation of the company. Attend operational meetings as required. Promote the services of the Supply Chain team across the MTC Group.

Essential Skills/Qualifications/Experience

Ability to work closely with the Strategic team members, delivering regular communication and feedback. A good team-player with excellent written and verbal communication skills who is willing to work with colleagues and help whenever needed. Be persuasive and diplomatic, with the ability to handle high-pressure situations and last-minute requests for items to be procured. Able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. Strong attention to detail and excellent administration skills Good level of knowledge of MS office tools such as Word and Excel. High level of literacy and numeracy. Problem solving with drive to oversee solution implementation to completion. Ability to think independently and innovatively and contribute ideas and improvements Demonstrate the ability to prioritise and multitask to manage workload. Full UK driving licence

Desirable Skills/Qualifications/Experience

Previous experience using ERP systems Understanding of supply chain processes, especially procurement and logistics Degree preferred by not essential. Willingness and capability to learn and character to become a valued team member more important. R&D, aerospace or automotive experience preferred but not essential. Experience within organisations funded by public funds preferred but not essential. Fully flexible working -however, will be required to be in the office at Ansty Park on regular occasions. Willing to travel if needed.

Once you submit your application, this will be passed on to our Talent Acquisition team for review. If you are successfully shortlisted, the next steps will be a 2-stage interview process


Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.


The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) was established in 2010 as an independent Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry - often referred to as 'the valley of death'.


It represents one of the largest public sector investments in UK manufacturing and, after four years of planning and a 16 month build, the facility opened at Ansty Park in Coventry at the end of 2011.


In December 2011, there were 16 industrial members, 44 staff and just a few key pieces of equipment in the 'workshop'.


Over the following seven years the MTC's rapid growth has seen the expansion of our campus with the construction of three more facilities, including the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing.


Our role has also increased to cover not only R&D but also Training, Advanced Manufacturing Management and Factory Design.


We now have over 700 talented employees working with us.


During this time we have helped hundreds of companies across a range of industries and over 100 of them have become members of the MTC.