At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for aircraft manufacturing, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leader in aerospace with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, flexible working, and extensive health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a critical team shaping the future of aviation and supply chain management.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field; experience in procurement preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS check (including a criminal record check).
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Occasional travel within the UK and international (with required travel to Hamburg).
LOCATION: Filton (80% of your working week must be office based).
TYPE: Full time.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, shopping discounts and much more.
- Work / Life Balance: 35 hour week, flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off, hybrid working, option to buy/sell holiday.
- Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing: Bupa health insurance (including assisted fertility treatments and gender dysphoria & reassignment support), wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), discounted family health/dental insurance/eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime yoga/meditation.
- Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and caregiving, and purpose-built maternity rooms on site.
- Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity).
Job Summary:
A position of Buyer has opened within Aerostructures Procurement at Airbus Operations Limited. This is a strategic, high-exposure opportunity to join a critical team managing some of the company's supply chain. As a Buyer, you will procure goods and services essential for our aircraft manufacturing operations, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to quality standards.
You will be at the forefront of managing key strategic supplier relationships. Your mandate will be to secure contractual stability and pricing agreements, which are critical to the success of Airbus' major programs. You will play a crucial role in mitigating complex supply chain risks and building robust procurement solutions to meet ambitious production rate targets.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM:
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process for assigned categories, from identifying needs to contract execution and supplier management.
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Conduct market research, identify potential suppliers, and evaluate their capabilities.
- Lead complex negotiations and draft contractual wording to secure favourable terms and conditions with suppliers, including price, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
- Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and purchase orders.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed-upon metrics and implement corrective actions, managing critical supplier performance and risk mitigation in fast-paced production environments.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., engineering, production, logistics) to align procurement strategies with business needs.
- Manage supplier relationships, fostering strong partnerships and driving continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.
- Identify and proactively mitigate potential supply chain risks.
ABOUT YOU:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- Extensive proven experience in a purchasing or procurement role, preferably within the aerospace or manufacturing industry.
- Solid understanding of supply chain principles and best practices.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to draft contractual wording and lead complex negotiations.
- Able to interface effectively with external parties and internal stakeholders (e.g., government/industry partners), developing constructive, long-term partnerships.
- Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, SAP ECC).
- Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed purchasing decisions.
- Collaborates well within a team, is proactive in proposing solutions for high-exposure commercial and contractual challenges, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other languages is a plus.
How we can support you:
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To opt in, just select the option during your application submission and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported.
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
Buyer in Bristol employer: Airbus
Airbus in Brize Norton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Ground Support Systems team. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive personal development plans, and opportunities for growth in a cutting-edge aerospace environment, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to vital projects like the A400M Program.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Bristol
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Airbus.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Airbus:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Airbus. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Airbus.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Airbus!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Airbus. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Airbus's culture.
