At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of essential goods and services for aviation operations.
- Company: Join Bombardier, a leading name in the aviation industry with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing team and make a real impact in aviation.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in Business or Supply Chain.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Bombardier’s Business Aircraft London Service Centre in Biggin Hill is part of an award‑winning network and is the flagship of Bombardier’s European operation. This Base and Line Maintenance Centre is the fastest‑growing Service Centre in Europe and the largest Business Aircraft OEM in the UK. The facility has the capabilities to perform an array of maintenance checks, modifications and upgrades all from this site. Only 14 miles from London, Bombardier’s Biggin Hill Service Centre is ideally located to support operators in the UK region and beyond.
We’re looking for an Indirect Buyer to manage procurement of non‑flight‑critical goods & services that keep aviation operations running. You’ll handle spend categories like facilities, IT, professional services, PPE, and MRO indirect materials. Goal: reduce cost, ensure supply continuity, and support compliance in a highly regulated aviation environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Management: Own indirect spend categories.
- Supplier Management: Source and negotiate with vendors for facility maintenance, uniforms, office supplies, IT hardware, ground transport, etc. Maintain supplier relationships and performance reviews.
- Contracting & Compliance: Draft RFQs/RFPs, negotiate T&Cs. Ensure contracts meet aviation safety, audit, and regulatory requirements. Work with Legal/Compliance.
- Cost Savings: Deliver year‑on‑year savings targets. Identify cost avoidance and process improvements.
- Stakeholder Management: Partner with Finance, HR, IT, Facilities, and Ops teams. Translate business needs into procurement specs.
- P2P Process: Create POs, track delivery, resolve invoice discrepancies. Use ERP/SAP/Ariba as needed.
- Risk & Sustainability: Monitor supplier risk, ESG, and business continuity.
How to thrive in this role?
Experience: 3-6 years in indirect procurement/strategic sourcing. Aviation, MRO, airline, or airport experience preferred, not a must.
Skills: Strong negotiation, supplier management, data analysis in Excel. Experience with SAP/Ariba a plus.
Knowledge: Understanding of aviation regulatory environment, audit processes, and supplier quality standards a plus.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related. CIPS/CPSM certification preferred.
Soft skills: Stakeholder management, attention to detail, ability to work under tight AOG/time‑critical timelines.
Indirect Buyer in Biggin Hill employer: Bombardier
Bombardier’s Business Aircraft London Service Centre in Biggin Hill is not only a leader in the aviation industry but also an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development. With a collaborative work culture, competitive benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to innovative aviation solutions. Located just 14 miles from London, this flagship facility offers unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology and a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyer in Biggin Hill
✨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 Bombardier.
✨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 Indirect Buyer in Biggin Hill
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 Bombardier:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Bombardier. 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 Bombardier.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bombardier
✨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 Bombardier!
✨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 Bombardier. 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 Bombardier's culture.
