Rosie Arnold
Ely,Cambridge
Summary
Results-oriented Buyer with extensive experience in Aerospace and Commercial sectors, specializing in purchasing and production oversight. Proven track record in negotiating favourable pricing and implementing cost-reduction strategies, including the introduction of Blanket/Contract orders and Just-In-Time practices. Established strong supplier relationships that enhance procurement efficiency and drive operational success. Proficient in various MRP systems, consistently achieving strategic sourcing goals and optimizing supply chain processes.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Indirect Buyer
AVIC Cabin Systems
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
2025.11 - Current
- Raising of Purchase Orders through ERP System, progressed through to delivery receipt.
- Collaboration with Finance Dept to ensure all invoices match and comply with systems.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers to secure the best prices and quality.
- Provided full support for all stakeholders to esure timely order placement and receipt, to achieve deadlines.
- Followed buyer directives for purchases and promptly resolved issues with deliveries, price or item quality.
- Negotiated pricing, credit terms and transportation with suppliers.
- Consulted with suppliers, reviewed contracts and evaluated quotations.
- Purchased supplies with optimum quality for business, whilst ensuring full compliance of products and services, to fulfil Company and Customer regualtions and Certifications.
- Managed end-to-end procurement process, from requisition to delivery, ensuring timely arrival of goods.
- Optimised delivery schedules and logistical operations for time-effectiveness.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives that reduced procurement expenses without compromising on quality.
- Identified and contacted potential suppliers to improve supply management.
- Reviewed product specifications to ensure compliance with quality standards and statutory regulations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and align procurement strategies.
- Oversaw procurement lifecycle while minimising supply risk.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
Strategic Buyer
Shearline Precision Engineering Ltd
2017.06 - 2026.04
- Achieved cost reductions on raw materials and services through strategic sourcing.
- Analysed industry trends to identify potential new suppliers and products.
- Ensured consistent product availability, minimising stock shortages.
- Managed the end-to-end procurement process, from requisition approval to payment release-improving workflow efficiency.
- Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers leading to favourable terms on purchases.
- Ensured timely delivery of goods and services reducing production delays.
- Established delivery schedules to keep stores fully stocked.
- Produced monthly KPIs to track cost savings effectively.
- Ensured full compliance across the Supply Chain operations.
- Collaborated with Estimating Department to source materials for customer quotations.
- Monitored purchasing budget to optimise expenditure.
- Worked alongside Production teams to develop alternative solutions.
- Managed customer accounts for three key clients, ensuring timely PO processing and delivery.
- Secured a five-year long-term agreement with a major aerospace client, capitalising on sustainable parts.
Operations & Supply Chain Co-ordinator
Maximum Precision Limited
2014.02 - 2017.06
- Processed incoming RFQs to ensure timely responses.
- Executed purchasing of raw materials and sub-contractor services while evaluating new suppliers for cost reduction.
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality and delivery timescales.
- Maintained stock levels for Customers with Kanban systems in place - ensuring max/min levels always met.
- Reduced costs by negotiating improved contracts with suppliers.
- Monitored product flow through work centres, including coordination with sub-contract manufacturers.
- Interpreted customer requirements such as forecasts and orders, updating the system accordingly.
- Scheduled and planned shop floor work to optimise capacity utilisation.
- Raised works orders promptly to facilitate production schedules.
- Rescheduled tasks as needed to maintain workflow efficiency.
- Processed NCRs to uphold quality standards and customer service levels.
Production Planner
Shearline Precision Engineering Ltd
2013.08 - 2014.01
- Maintained production plan to consistently achieve sales targets.
- Ensured timely availability of materials for uninterrupted operations.
- Monitored product flow across work centres and subcontractors.
- Interpreted customer requirements, adjusting systems based on forecasts and orders.
- Collaborated with sales team to address customer requests promptly.
- Participated in daily production meetings with department supervisors for strategic alignment.
- Efficiently scheduled and planned workload for shop floor activities.
- Raised works orders and managed rescheduling to optimise operational processes.
- Liaised with sales team for accurate customer demand prediction.
- Organised regular stock checks to maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Coordinated with multiple departments for streamlined workflow.
- Stock replenishment of Kanban contracts.
Engineering Administrator & Assistant to Ops Manager
Groveley Precision Engineering Ltd
2013.02 - 2013.08
- Estimated incoming work to optimise resource allocation.
- Conducted regular inventory checks, preventing shortage of crucial resources.
- Facilitated smooth communication between different departments to enhance collaboration.
- Sourced raw materials and subcontract services to support production needs.
- Monitored outstanding purchase orders to ensure timely fulfilment.
- Progressed subcontract work, enhancing overall project timelines.
- Scheduled shop floor activities to maximise efficiency in operations.
- Implemented lean manufacturing practices to reduce waste and improve productivity.
- Managed key customer accounts, fostering strong business relationships.
- Operated bespoke MRP system for accurate inventory management.
Estimator/Buyer
WG Jones Ltd
2008.11 - 2013.02
- Estimated incoming work to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Collaborated with other departments for comprehensive project costings.
- Played a key role in bid preparation, contributing to winning proposals.
- Managed multiple estimations simultaneously whilst maintaining high standards of accuracy and organisation.
- Liaised with suppliers to secure best prices for materials and services.
- Sourced raw materials and subcontract services from approved and unapproved suppliers.
- Progressed outstanding purchase orders to ensure timely fulfilment.
- Conducted contract reviews for all incoming orders to confirm compliance.
- Operated Customer SAP system to manage inventory effectively.
- Performed cost analysis on new and legacy parts for future re-engineering opportunities.
- Monitored New Product Introduction through workshop processes.
- Produced departmental KPIs to track performance metrics.
Materials Buyer
Walker AEC
2008.04 - 2008.11
- Estimated incoming work to optimise resource allocation.
- Streamlined inventory control with regular stock checks and updates.
- Ensured timely delivery of products, maintaining customer satisfaction levels high.
- To reduce expenses, negotiated bulk purchase deals with suppliers.
- Maintained strong working relationships with suppliers and vendors to obtain favourable contract terms.
- Sourced raw materials, components, and subcontract services from approved supplier database.
- Progressed outstanding purchase orders and subcontract work to ensure timely completion.
- Supervised Stores Department functions for efficient inventory management.
- Negotiated lower prices with new suppliers, reducing purchase costs significantly.
- Developed presentations on ‘make vs buy’ analysis to enhance cost efficiency.
- Produced work packs for manufacturing processes to streamline operations.
- Managed drawing library to facilitate accurate documentation control.
Company Buyer
R H H Franks (New Milton) Limited
1990.05 - 2008.04
- Facilitated sourcing of raw materials and subcontracted services from both approved and unapproved suppliers.
- Collaborated with sales team to understand customer demand trends.
- Monitored supplier performance regularly, guaranteeing consistent quality delivery.
- Coordinated purchasing activities, ensuring timely delivery of products.
- Maintained a comprehensive cost database to track expenditures.
- Liaised with sales representatives to optimise procurement processes.
- Reviewed and authorised supplier invoices to ensure accurate payments.
- Coordinated importation and exportation of goods, managing nationwide deliveries.
- Handled company petty cash alongside banking operations efficiently.
- Compiled worked hours weekly, preparing accurate wage calculations for staff.
- Ensured compliance with company insurance requirements, including liability and fleet coverage.
Buying Office Clerk
Tran Am Limited
1987.01 - 1990.01
- Operated Cado Tiger System for order entry, stock allocation, and adjustments.
- Maintained supplies by checking stock to determine inventory levels; anticipated requirements; placed orders; verified receipt; stocked items.
- Matched deliveries with outstanding orders to ensure timely fulfilment.
- Executed typing and general office duties necessary for junior role.
Buying Office Assistant
Yates Precision Eng
1987.01 - 1987.01
- Assisted Estimating team in compiling quotations by typing enquiries for BOMs and collating responses.
- Liaised with Sales Department regarding upcoming contracts to ensure alignment and preparation.
Skills
- Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, Powerpoint, Various MRP/ERP Production Systems, Internet
- Kanban system application
- Product lifecycle awareness
- Materials requirement planning
- JIT inventory control methods
- Commodity knowledge
- Sustainability focus
- Product quality assurance
- Conversant with ISO9001 & AS9100
- Supplier management
- Strategic sourcing
- Workflow optimization
- RFQ preparation, PO Placement, Expediting
- Materials planning
- MRP systems expertise
Affiliations
- Vintage Aircraft
- Exploring old airfields
- All things 1940's
- Antiques
- Family time is very important to me
Volunteer Work
I volunteer for Cats Protection
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Indirect Buyer
AVIC Cabin Systems
2025.11 - Current
Strategic Buyer
Shearline Precision Engineering Ltd
2017.06 - 2026.04
Operations & Supply Chain Co-ordinator
Maximum Precision Limited
2014.02 - 2017.06
Production Planner
Shearline Precision Engineering Ltd
2013.08 - 2014.01
Engineering Administrator & Assistant to Ops Manager
Groveley Precision Engineering Ltd
2013.02 - 2013.08
Estimator/Buyer
WG Jones Ltd
2008.11 - 2013.02
Materials Buyer
Walker AEC
2008.04 - 2008.11
Company Buyer
R H H Franks (New Milton) Limited
1990.05 - 2008.04
Buying Office Clerk
Tran Am Limited
1987.01 - 1990.01
Buying Office Assistant
Yates Precision Eng
1987.01 - 1987.01