Senior Buyer in Fareham

The Senior Buyer role is responsible and accountable for cost-effective acquisition of materials and services for the replenishment of parts against re-orders points and specific project/assembly demands to support the new aircraft build programme. On occasion, the Senior Buyer may deputise for the Head of Supply Chain and will provide oversight to the Head of Supply Chain, responsible for the upkeep of the functional Key Performance Indicators.

Working in the Supply Chain team, the Senior Buyer will be responsible for taking the lead in prioritising the timely and efficient processing of material demands, placement of purchase orders, securing order acknowledgements from suppliers and directing the expediting of materials to ensure the on-time delivery of parts to Britten Norman. The Senior Buyer will take active responsibility and ownership in the acquisition of compliant spend with approved suppliers, with a strong emphasis in the sourcing of new suppliers, contributing to the functional cost savings targets and net reduction in active suppliers. The role requires supporting the objectives set by the Head of Supply Chain.

• Act as the lead-buyer sourcing and negotiating including the processing of approved purchase demands and the successful placement of compliant and appropriately authorised purchase orders with approved suppliers.
• Focus on strategic sourcing, price negotiation for high-value items, risk management, and supplier relationship management.
• Act as mentor to the buyers, providing guidance.
• Maintain and update purchase order progress notes, expected delivery dates and agreed prices in the company business system Aerotrac.
• Ensure compliant retention of Purchase orders and supporting documentation in accordance with the document retention policy, including the closing down of old or redundant purchase orders.
• Responsible for reporting status of open demands, Material shortages, requisition approval, Open Purchase orders, Pro-forma Invoice status.
• Lead and manage the expediting of orders which will include the structured management of past due and forward orders.
• Contribute towards the Function Cost Savings Targets both at a tactical level on an order by order basis and supporting Strategic cost savings targets.
• Ensure contractual compliance and adherence with supplier agreements/contracts where applicable.
• Ownership of any allocated Non-conforming supplier deliveries and any warranty claims including the tracking of successful claim of credit notes through to reconciliation with Finance.
• Work with suppliers to determine material lead-times.
• Timely escalation of any supplier performance, cost or contractual compliance issues to the department Manager.
• On occasion, represent and promote the Procurement function at key stakeholder meetings which may include Supplier meetings both on and off site.
• Update the Purchase order tracker and the timely updating of Aerotrac accordingly.
• Identification of appropriate suppliers and as required, the creation of New Supplier Requests.
• Request for Quotations (RFQs) and negotiate the most effective output to serve the needs of the business.
• Liaison with the Finance team and/or Suppliers in relation to all Invoice Queries or issues including management of Pro-forma invoices.

• Previous experience in an Operational Procurement function with practical knowledge in the raising and the management of purchase orders.
• Highly analytical and able to use data to support key tasks and decisions.
• Previous experience of working with suppliers and taking the lead in managing suppliers.
• Attention to detail with a positive attitude and a strong focus of delivery.
• Self-disciplined and motivated, experience of working in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates flexibility in moving between tasks and is dedicated to the task, seeing it through to completion.
• Reliable, follows direction from managers and respects policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify potential areas of difficulty, the causes and proactively provide solutions whilst keeping team and manager informed.
• Excellent organisational skills with proven ability to manage time effectively.
• Capable of effective communication with team members, suppliers and stakeholders.
• 3-5 years' experience held in a similar role.
• Membership of CIPS / CIPS Level 2 or currently studying towards CIPS.
• Maintaining Continued Professional Development (CPD) via the CIPS portal or LinkedIn Learning.
• Desirable degree level or other further education.

• 36 annual leave days (inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays).
• Contributory pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option.
• Private healthcare scheme.
• Flu vaccination.
• Dental and optical cover.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Support with learning and professional development (courses and licenses).
• Health screening and therapies.
• Digital GP.
• Referral bonus.