
David Cosham
Procurement Professional
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About
Experienced Supply Chain Professional with more than 15 years of expertise in procurement, sourcing, and logistics within the aerospace, defence, and engineering sectors. Highly skilled in Material Planning & Forecasting, Project Scheduling, and Supplier Scheduling & Lead Time Management with a proven ability to manage complex supply chains, negotiate with global suppliers, and ensure the timely delivery of critical materials. Throughout career, collaborated with various departments on New Product Development, regularly meeting with suppliers to ensure products align with customer needs.
Also worked closely with Mechanical Engineering Management, frequently reviewing technical drawings during product implementation. Expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and inventory optimization, with hands-on experience using systems like SAP, Oracle, and AMS. Strong problem-solving skills focused on achieving cost savings, improving process efficiency, and meeting project deadlines, all while maintaining high safety and compliance standards.
Hold Security Clearance
Level SC.
Experience
Supply Chain Professional at JACOBS (2023-04 – 2024-10)
Sourced and negotiated with warehouse racking suppliers for Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) sites
- Sourced and negotiated with warehouse racking suppliers for Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) sites at Aldermaston and Burghfield
- Led racking installation projects and coordinated with the Facilities Manager to ensure compliance with safety, fire, and utility checks
Senior Buyer at CHELTON (2022-10 – 2023-04)
Managed daily shortage tasks and purchase orders for approved suppliers
- Managed daily shortage tasks and raised purchase orders for approved suppliers
- Ensured timely stock shipments, liaised with suppliers, and participated in material review meetings
- Collaborated with the Antenna and Engineering teams to address material issues and meet project timelines
Senior Buyer at DELTA MOBREY (2022-01 – 2022-06)
Addressed material supply issues and negotiated lead times with approved suppliers
- Addressed material supply issues on the shop floor and negotiated lead times with approved suppliers
- Ensured on-time delivery of components, preventing project delays and avoiding financial penalties
Senior Buyer at YORK-TEL (2021-06 – 2021-12)
Worked with Project Control to prioritize materials for projects across multiple London-based sites
- Worked with Project Control to prioritize materials for projects across multiple London-based sites
- Placed purchase orders and updated stakeholders on project-related inquiries
Sourcing Specialist at QINETIQ (2020-03 – 2021-04)
Used SAP to source, expedite, and place purchase orders for materials supporting aviation projects
- Used SAP to source, expedite, and place purchase orders for materials supporting aviation projects at Boscombe Down
- Worked closely with suppliers and project managers to ensure material availability and timely deliveries
- Responsible for working alongside Quality Engineers and new customers when new products were being implemented within Projects that were being worked over an agreed time scale, ensuring customers specific requirements were adhered to
Purchasing Supervisor at CARGO LOGIC AIR (2019-02 – 2020-03)
Managed material orders for a fleet of 4 x 747 cargo aircraft, including urgent AOG requests
- Managed material orders for a fleet of 4 x 747 cargo aircraft, including urgent AOG (Aircraft on Ground) requests
- Coordinated with the Material Control Centre and global freight forwarders to resolve material shortages and maintain tight timelines
Supply Chain Buyer at ATOMIC WEAPONS ESTABLISHMENT (AWE) (2016-04 – 2019-01)
Delivered materials in line with the Enterprise Strategy, ensuring compliance with AWE's purchasing policies
- Delivered materials in line with the Enterprise Strategy, ensuring compliance with AWE's purchasing policies
- Managed supplier performance, negotiated prices, and utilized Oracle and AMS systems to support engineering projects
Material Planner at AIR TANKER (2015-02 – 2016-02)
Ensured A330 aircraft serviceability targets were met by managing material requirements for engineering operations
- Ensured A330 aircraft serviceability targets were met by managing material requirements for engineering operations
- Used SAP to place purchase orders and track timely deliveries to meet RAF service standards
Inventory Manager at ASTERAL (2014-11 – 2015-04)
Managed repair spares inventory for a healthcare equipment provider
- Managed repair spares inventory for a healthcare equipment provider, optimizing reorder points and stock locations
- Rationalized the supplier base and identified cost-saving opportunities
Supply Chain Materials Controller at BAE Systems, Thales and Rockwell Collins (2010-08 – 2014-10)
Various fixed term contracts working on designated projects required to be completed within defined time frames
- Various fixed term contracts working for BAE Systems, Thales and Rockwell Collins. Hired to work on designated projects required to be completed within defined time frames
Technical Purchaser at TAG FARNBOROUGH ENGINEERING AEROSPACE (2009-04 – 2010-07)
Supported inventory management, negotiated with suppliers to improve lead times
- Supported inventory management, negotiated with suppliers to improve lead times, and maintained pricing and records
Senior Material Controller at BRITISH AIRWAYS (1977-01 – 2007-12)
Led a team of 6 material controllers to manage aircraft inventory and logistics globally
- Led a team of 6 material controllers to manage aircraft inventory and logistics globally
- Negotiated competitive pricing with suppliers and achieved key performance indicators, managing monthly revenue targets of £25k (consumables) and £50k (aircraft repairs)
Education
O Levels in Maths, English, Chemistry, and Arithmetic
Course in Fundamentals of Supervision – British Airways