We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to manage key areas of procurement across AirTanker’s Supply Chain & Logistics function.
You will take ownership of significant categories of spend, managing procurement activity from initial scoping and tendering through to supplier selection, negotiation and contract placement. Alongside this, you will manage operational sub-contracts, build strong supplier relationships and work closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure our commercial arrangements continue to deliver value.
This is an opportunity to take real ownership within a £multi-million supply chain, using your commercial expertise to influence purchasing decisions, improve supplier performance and identify opportunities to reduce cost and strengthen how we procure goods and services.
Why AirTanker?
AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD.
As Senior Buyer, you will support that capability by helping ensure the business has the suppliers, services and commercial arrangements it needs to deliver effectively. Working across Supply Chain & Logistics, you will partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver robust procurement strategies, effective contracts and sustainable commercial value.
What’s in it for you?
- Commercial Ownership: Take responsibility for defined procurement categories and significant areas of spend across a £multi-million supply chain.
- Influence & Impact: Work directly with stakeholders and suppliers to shape procurement strategies, negotiate contracts and deliver better commercial outcomes.
- Supplier Management: Build strong supplier relationships and use performance and procurement data to identify opportunities, manage dependencies and drive improvement.
- End-to-End Procurement: Lead activity across scoping, tendering, supplier evaluation, selection, negotiation and order placement rather than focusing on one part of the purchasing lifecycle.
- Continuous Improvement: Play an active role in reducing cost, rationalising the supply chain and improving procurement governance, frameworks and processes across the business.
About You
You will be a commercially minded procurement professional with experience managing and developing sub-contracts within a services environment and the confidence to work effectively with suppliers and stakeholders across the business.
You will bring strong negotiation and relationship management skills, combined with the ability to balance commercial value with operational requirements and deadlines.
You will also have:
- CIPS Level 4 or 5 Diploma
- Experience managing and developing sub-contracts within a services business
- Experience building effective relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders and external customers
- Experience within Engineering, Aerospace or Defence
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
About AirTanker
AirTanker is a flexible and responsive world leading aviation service provider. Our capability spans across end-to-end maintenance, military and civil flying programmes, training and major aircraft upgrades.
Senior Buyer in Carterton employer: AirTanker
AirTanker is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of the UK's defence capability while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. With comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a commitment to flexible working, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that shape the future of air transport services. The company prioritises employee growth through strategic influence and senior stakeholder engagement, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in driving sustainable business performance.
