What’s involved in your role?
On the procurement side, the team now reports directly into the Space Imaging part of the company, following a recent restructure. This is down to the fantastic opportunities that Space Imaging has brought in, as well as the extra challenges that accompany them, needing additional procurement focus/support. Therefore, ensuring a risk assessed, cost effective, aligned and timely supply is critical for our projects. This more often than not involves coordinating our suppliers with our subcontractors to provide the solution that we need. So there is a strong synergy between both sides of my role.
Bringing in the right suppliers into the business as well as developing a collaborative relationship is a huge part of the role. I would say we work mainly with around 20 regular primary suppliers and subcontractors as ours is a fairly niche industry. We have around 400 suppliers on the books, but these primary ones are most critical to our processes.
You mention a re-structure and growth, does that mean you are actively recruiting at the moment?
Yes, due to internal changes in the team, we have an opportunity for someone to join our team as a procurement engineer. The role covers all aspects of procurement, from managing supplier relationships to seeking new supplier resources for materials etc. that are aligned to our business needs. The engineering side of the role is also essential, so the person can understand what we need and add value from the start.
Candidates need a solid background in manufacturing – not necessarily in space, but that would be a big advantage. Also, experience in areas like automotive electronics will give them an exciting stepping stone into a truly rewarding industry to work in.
What is your own background – have you worked in the space sector for a long time?
Not at all. This is my first role in the space sector, although I have worked in many others, including defence, printing, pharmaceuticals, motor sport, electronics and heavy industry. My background has always been in supply chain management, doing anything from procurement, planning, and purchasing, to customer service, and logistics, managing the supply chain from concept to sending finished products out the door.
I have worked for SMEs, large companies, global corporations and have even spent time as a consultant. Wherever I worked, it has always been in the manufacturing supply chain, as that is where my expertise and interests lie. It’s a very diverse background that I am very lucky to have. It helps me bring a fresh look to the procurement and sub-contracting elements of my current role.
Teledyne Space Imaging is growing rapidly right now, both with space agencies and in the commercial space sector. Where do you think the main areas of expansion are?
Commercial space is very much a new area for us in terms of growth, but one that is really taking off. Our technology is being used for all sorts of missions, from sending signals from satellites to taking pictures of the Earth’s atmosphere. This is all moving towards a more commercial angle. Rather than just being the preserve of the space agencies.
While there is a lot of competition out there, we are well placed to support and take advantage of this shift in how people are interacting with and working in space. Our world-renowned reputation and technology will enable us to grow and remain ahead of the competition. We’re looking forward to a good year ahead – and beyond. It’s a great time to be working in space!
What’s the best part about working in space for you?
It is a new experience for me. I really enjoy working on projects that are going up into the outer atmosphere of the Earth. I am fascinated by the technology and what it can achieve. It’s on a whole other level to other industries where I have worked. What our sensors can see from outer space is mind-blowing. It’s fantastically exciting and makes my working life really enjoyable.
I also get to work with fantastic colleagues around the world. We are now closer aligned with other divisions within Teledyne that work in the space sector, and having that global support and expertise is invaluable. We are collaborating more than ever before, and that adds another enjoyable dimension to not only my work, but for everyone within Teledyne Space Imaging.
