Supply Chain & Procurement Lead
Universal Quantum · Haywards Heath
At Universal Quantum, we are building the next generation of quantum computers — machines capable of solving problems once thought impossible. Our technology has the potential to transform industries from healthcare to aerospace, materials science, and beyond. As we scale from breakthrough R&D to global delivery, resilient execution becomes as critical as technical innovation.
What You’ll Accomplish
- Design and actively run a global supply chain supporting the delivery of highly complex quantum hardware.
- Personally own critical supplier relationships and negotiations, particularly for long-lead, high-risk, or strategically important components.
- Build and operate procurement processes day to day, including approvals, vendor onboarding, and exception handling, while laying the groundwork for future scale. This could extend all the way to inventory management at the beginning.
- Identify and manage supply chain risk hands-on, stepping in directly to resolve issues that could impact engineering progress or delivery milestones.
- Select, implement, and operate fit-for-purpose tools and systems, prioritising clarity and speed over over-engineering.
- Oversee international logistics in practice, including coordination of shipments, documentation, and compliance with customs, duties, and tariffs.
- Work embedded with engineering, finance, and legal, translating technical, commercial, and regulatory constraints into executable supply decisions.
Requirements
The 3 Most Critical Attributes We’ll Use to Compare Candidates:
- Strategic designer & architect — able to design & build scalable supply & procurement functions.
- Hands-on contributer— enjoys getting into the weeds as a “doer”.
- Commercially sharp problem-solver — a confident negotiator who makes sound trade-offs under real delivery pressure.
Must-have Skills:
- Experience working in fast-paced, highly dynamic environments with high ambiguity (e.g. building the plane as it takes off!)
- 5+ years’ experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations within hardware, deep tech, aerospace, or similarly complex sectors.
- Proven experience in both designing and operating global supply chains.
- Strong, hands-on supplier negotiation and vendor management experience with business-critical suppliers.
- Experience building and running procurement processes, policies, and approval frameworks.
- Familiarity with international shipping, customs, duties, and trade compliance (direct export control experience a plus; ability to manage external specialists essential).
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
Nice-to-have Skills:
- Experience in highly regulated or government-adjacent environments.
- Previous exposure to software SCM, its risk management, and understanding of open source licenses
- Direct experience with export control or ITAR-style constraints.
- Prior experience selecting and implementing procurement or supply chain systems.
Please feel encouraged to apply even if you don't match all the requirements of our job description. We would love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Meaningful equity participation
- Flexible holiday allowance (28 days minimum)
- Flexible working
- 10% matching pension
- Generous parental support policy
- Private health / dental insurance & group life insurance
- £2,000 annual personal development budget
- Relocation support
We are committed to nurturing diversity and inclusion At Universal Quantum, we’re passionate about working with and for all kinds of minds. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and we hold ourselves accountable through continuous improvement, transparency, and the way we design our hiring and working practices. We welcome team members from all backgrounds and actively work to ensure everyone can flourish.
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