Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage suppliers for next-gen optical systems and ensure compliance with budget and schedule.
- Company: Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, employing over 53,000 worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team shaping innovation and enhancing global safety while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A good attitude and willingness to learn are essential; experience in procurement is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working options and opportunities for part-time arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Job Description: Your Impact
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Edinburgh Procurement function as a Senior Sub‑Contract Buyer in our Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business.
You will be responsible and accountable for the creation of Supplier Contracts to ensure commercial compliance in line with internal and external governance, contributing towards developing appropriate sourcing strategies at all phases of the product lifecycle and the management and delivery of material pricing required for Bids.
What you will do
- Responsible for putting in place the appropriate Commercial Agreements, including but not limited to, internal and external Customer flow downs, NDA\’s, TAA\’s and Export Licences etc.
- Prepare the relevant Request For Quotation and Contract documentation packs such as Bid Packs, Contractual Terms, Price Agreements and Statements of Work.
- Responsible for creating and presenting Contract Compliance packs for internal audit and to external Government bodies or their Agencies.
- Market analysis of Supplier pricing to ensure price reasonableness is achieved and reported (benchmarking).
- Plan and execute cost negotiation of Supplier pricing and provide reporting for internal / external Audit.
- Provide analysis of material pricing to support the Product Cost Review Boards for NPI, with a view to highlighting cost reduction opportunities in line with declared project / product targets.
- Collaborate with Design Engineering to understand our product route maps so market research can be undertaken to identify capable and sustainable sources of supply.
- Identify and encourage Supplier competition for material requirements, utilising the Supply Review Board (SRB) process as an enabler.
- Prepare varied Lifecycle Management reporting such as Procurement Plans to outline the status and progress of material sourcing, Contracting Compliance and Bid Support.
- Responsible for the management of Supplier delivery performance (of NPI Contracts) throughout the Contract lifecycle in line with defined Key Performance Indicators (KPI\’s).
- Responsible for managing the material budget associated with NPI, reporting on aspects such as Revenue Forecasting and Estimate to Complete.
- Identify and manage risk and opportunity, working collaboratively with Suppliers and other Integrated Project Team members.
- Deploy the appropriate SAP activity in order to carry out your job effectively, especially in relation to the creation of compliant Contracts.
What you’ll bring
- CIPS preferred but not essential
- Exposure to / understanding of Contract Terms & Conditions
- Working knowledge of Trade / Export Compliance
- Good Negotiation skills
- Ability to influence
- Attention to detail
- Good Communication skills (written & oral)
- IT skills (MS Office & SAP knowledge preferred)
- Innovative
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit :
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to ÂŁ500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger – apply now
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Sub-Contract Buyer employer: Leonardo
Contact Detail:
Leonardo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sub-Contract Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, especially within the defence and aerospace sectors. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to staying updated.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who work at Leonardo or similar companies. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Sub-Contract Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiated contracts in the past. Highlighting your experience with cost reduction strategies and compliance will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Leonardo's recent projects and initiatives, particularly those related to optical systems and radar development. Being able to reference these in your discussions will show your genuine interest in the company and the role you're applying for.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sub-Contract Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Sub-Contract Buyer position. Highlight your relevant experience in supplier management, cost reduction, and contract compliance.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your procurement experience, relationship management skills, and any relevant technical knowledge that relates to optical systems or defence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage suppliers and negotiate contracts effectively.
Highlight Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasise your soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These are crucial for working closely with engineering teams and managing supplier relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Sub-Contract Buyer. Familiarise yourself with supplier management, cost reduction strategies, and the importance of technical requirements in contracts.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in procurement and supplier management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, the challenges faced in the current projects, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Emphasise Soft Skills
While technical skills are crucial, don't forget to highlight your soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These are essential for collaborating with engineering teams and managing supplier relationships effectively.
