At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and strengthen supplier performance in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Leading aerospace manufacturer with a focus on innovation and integration.
- Benefits: Competitive rates, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile project and make a real impact in a global team.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a fast-paced industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
A major aerospace manufacturer is expanding its procurement function and seeking a Procurement Category Buyer to support a high-profile integration project. This role plays a key part in aligning indirect procurement processes following a recent acquisition, ensuring smooth transition across systems, suppliers, and stakeholders. Based in Belfast, you'll work closely with local teams and a broader transnational network to drive consistency, deliver value, and strengthen supplier performance across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain compliance with company policies, processes, and regulatory requirements.
- Develop strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across multiple divisions.
- Act as the link between suppliers and internal multifunctional teams, ensuring a unified approach.
- Oversee supplier performance, focusing on contract adherence, quality, and delivery.
- Manage supplier relationships through regular reviews and proactive issue resolution.
- Run sourcing events (CFTs), approve requisitions, and ensure timely delivery of goods/services.
- Support change management activity as new procurement systems and processes are rolled out.
- Communicate process changes clearly and provide training/support where required.
- Track, report, and follow up on progress of integration and change initiatives.
- Flexibility to travel for business when needed.
Essential Experience
- Proven background as a Buyer within procurement, ideally indirect procurement.
- Strong stakeholder management experience in complex, multi-functional organisations.
- Demonstrated experience supporting or leading change initiatives.
- Confident communicator able to influence at senior levels.
- Strong commercial, contractual, and financial awareness.
- Skilled negotiator with strong relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Fluent English (negotiation level).
Desirable Qualifications & Skills
- Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or similar discipline.
- CIPS qualification (or working towards it).
- Experience in M&A or post-acquisition integration.
- Knowledge of SAP, Coupa, or similar procurement platforms.
- Aerospace or manufacturing experience, particularly supporting production environments.
If you're interested and keen to find out more, please apply now with your updated CV and reach out to Tom Johnson at Certain Advantage - Ref: 79694TPBN1_UKTJ.
Procurement Category Buyer employer: Certain Advantage
Contact Detail:
Certain Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Buyer
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and procurement sectors. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its recent projects, especially around integration and procurement processes. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, so practice articulating your achievements and how they can benefit the team.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past successes in procurement, especially in managing supplier relationships and leading change initiatives. We believe this will set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, weβre always on the lookout for talent that fits our culture and values, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Buyer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in indirect procurement and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Stakeholder Management: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your stakeholder management experience. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships and influenced decisions in complex environments. This will really catch our eye!
Highlight Change Management Experience: If you've supported or led change initiatives before, make sure to mention it! Weβre keen on candidates who can navigate transitions smoothly, especially in procurement processes. Tell us about your successes in this area.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly. Donβt miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Certain Advantage
β¨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around indirect procurement. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in the industry, as well as any specific tools like SAP or Coupa that might come up during the interview.
β¨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with internal stakeholders in complex organisations. Think about times when you influenced decisions or resolved conflicts, as these experiences will highlight your ability to navigate multi-functional teams.
β¨Be Ready for Change Management Questions
Since this role involves supporting change initiatives, be prepared to discuss your experience with change management. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've led or supported transitions, particularly in procurement processes after acquisitions.
β¨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a confident communicator, you'll need to articulate your thoughts clearly. Practice explaining complex procurement concepts in simple terms, and think about how you would communicate process changes to different stakeholders. This will show your ability to influence at senior levels.