Procurement Buyer

Job Description

Quantum is now, and it's built here.

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today’s supercomputers cannot solve.

Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology - faster, at scale, and with real world impact.

What to Expect:
We are looking for a hands-on Procurement Buyer to join the Systems team at Oxford Ionics. In this role, you will be responsible for executing day-to-day procurement activities across engineering components and sub-assemblies, supporting both R&D programmes and the transition toward scalable manufacturing.

You will play a critical role in ensuring materials are available at the right time, cost, and quality, while maintaining strong supplier relationships and supporting accurate BOM and MRP workflows. This role is highly embedded within engineering and manufacturing teams and is essential to enabling delivery against the technical roadmap. You’ll help shape the procurement processes and outputs that underpin the development of the world’s most advanced quantum systems.

What you will be responsible for:

In this position, you will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and inventory stakeholders to ensure effective purchasing, supplier coordination, and material availability. You’ll have the opportunity to directly impact programme delivery by improving procurement reliability, reducing bottlenecks, and freeing up senior technical teams to focus on next-generation system development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Execute end-to-end purchasing of engineering components and sub-assemblies, from requisition through to delivery
• Coordinate supplier communication, pricing, lead times, and call-offs to support R&D and manufacturing schedules
• Support BOM accuracy and maintenance in collaboration with engineering teams
• Work within existing MRP, Kanban, and inventory systems to support production and development workflows
• Manage RFQs, quotes, and supplier comparisons to ensure value for money
• Support procurement compliance, documentation, and record keeping in line with company and regulatory requirements
• Act as a first point of contact for procurement-related queries from internal stakeholders
• Provide hands-on support with stock coordination, kitting, and stores activities where required to unblock delivery
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes as the organisation scales

Requirements

To be successful, you will need strong foundations in manufacturing procurement, with hands-on experience supporting engineering-led environments. We’re looking for someone who can work at pace, communicate clearly with technical stakeholders, and translate requirements into effective purchasing actions.

You should be comfortable operating in a fast-moving, highly technical environment where priorities evolve and execution matters.

You’d be a great fit if you have:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a procurement or purchasing role within a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Strong understanding of MRP systems and manufacturing procurement workflows
• Experience procuring electro-mechanical components or sub-assemblies
• Solid commercial awareness, including supplier negotiation and cost management
• Confidence working directly with engineers, production teams, and suppliers
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Comfort managing procurement data, documentation, and trackers
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

Desirable experience includes:

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
• MCIPS qualification or working towards certification
• Experience supporting pull-based or JIT supply chains
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings or technical specifications
• Exposure to regulated or high-complexity technical environments

Benefits

Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more.

Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.