At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of non-flight-critical goods to keep aviation operations running smoothly.
- Company: Join Bombardier, a leading name in the aviation industry with a dynamic work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced, award-winning service centre just 14 miles from London.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation by ensuring supply continuity and driving cost savings.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years in indirect procurement; strong negotiation and data analysis skills required.
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 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 sustainability, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to innovative aviation solutions. Located just 14 miles from London, this dynamic environment offers unique opportunities for professional advancement in a rapidly growing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyer
✨Get Involved in Procurement Networks
Join procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like LinkedIn or even local meetups. Being part of these communities can really help you make connections and learn about job opportunities that might not be advertised elsewhere.
✨Show Off Your Skills on Campus
As a bachelor looking for opportunities, tap into your university career services. They often have relationships with companies in the procurement sector, so don’t hesitate to ask about internship or entry-level opportunities. Plus, attending career fairs is a must!
✨Research Companies You Admire
Identify companies like Bombardier that align with your values and research their procurement processes. You could even reach out directly to showcase your enthusiasm and learn about any upcoming entry-level opportunities.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you’re thinking about applying, subtly highlight your coursework, projects, or relevant experiences that demonstrate your understanding of procurement. Remember, it's about making a strong case for how you can add value!
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In procurement and purchasing, analytical skills are crucial. Make sure to emphasise any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your ability to analyse data and make informed decisions. Elaborate on your experiences in managing budgets or optimising supply chains – that's what will catch the attention of Bombardier!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Even if you're applying for a bachelor position, any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences related to procurement can really make you stand out. Mention any roles where you’ve been involved in negotiations, supplier evaluations, or inventory management. It shows you've got a foundation and a genuine interest in the field!
Tailor Your CV for Procurement:When crafting your CV, make sure it's not just a list of your experiences. Focus on using industry-specific terms like ‘cost savings’, ‘supplier relationship management’, and ‘market research’. This kind of vocabulary resonates well in procurement circles and shows you know your stuff!
Customize Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all. Take the time to mention why you're passionate about procurement and what you can bring to Bombardier. Share specific examples of your teamwork, negotiation skills, or any procurement-related coursework that proves you're ready to take on this bachelor role with enthusiasm.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bombardier
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on the fundamentals of procurement and purchasing processes. We should be ready to discuss concepts like supplier assessment, negotiation strategies, and inventory management. They might throw some technical questions at us, so knowing key terms and trends in procurement will really help us stand out.
✨Showcase a Project or Case Study
Prepare to pitch a project or case study from your studies related to procurement. If we can relate our academic experiences to real-world scenarios, like finding cost-effective suppliers or optimising supply chains, it'll demonstrate our readiness for the role at Bombardier.
✨Understand the Current Market Trends
We should keep an eye on current market trends affecting procurement, like sustainability practices and digital transformation. Being able to discuss these trends in the interview will show that we're not just book-smart but also in tune with the industry, which is key for a role like this.
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural questions that assess our teamwork and problem-solving skills. As procurement involves collaborating with various departments and suppliers, sharing specific examples of working in teams or overcoming challenges will highlight our interpersonal skills and suitability for Indirect Buyer at Bombardier.
