At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and build strong relationships with suppliers in a fast-paced aviation environment.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in adversary air and mission training capabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, pension contributions, bonuses, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the aviation industry while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in purchasing or procurement, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees.
As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
About the Role
Draken is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Buyer to support all aspects of the Purchasing and Supply Chain function, helping to deliver advanced technology solutions across a diverse fleet of aircraft for customers worldwide.
Reporting to the Senior Buyer, you will manage day-to-day procurement activity including requests for quotation, purchase orders, repair orders, supplier expediting and inventory requirements.
Working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, you will help ensure parts, materials and services are available in line with operational priorities.
This is a varied opportunity for an organised purchasing professional who enjoys building strong relationships, solving problems and managing competing priorities within a fast-paced aviation environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Generate and manage requests for quotation, requests to order, purchase orders and repair orders, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
- Proactively expedite outstanding quotations, purchase orders and repair orders to secure supplier commitments and achieve delivery schedules.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand operational priorities and align procurement activity with business objectives.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels through demand planning, economic order quantity management and effective procurement practices.
- Produce, analyse and maintain shortage reports and open order book reports to support supply chain visibility and business continuity.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers, resolving issues relating to orders, technical support, production requirements, invoicing and quality.
- Lead regular supplier performance reviews, both remotely and on-site, driving accountability, continuous improvement and stronger performance.
- Represent Procurement at daily operational review meetings and deputise for colleagues or management when required.
- Take ownership of Aircraft on Ground requirements during working hours, responding quickly to urgent operational needs.
- Maintain accurate procurement records through regular system housekeeping within Aerotrac and the Service Desk.
- Initiate and manage internal workshop projects for unserviceable rotable components, gathering and assessing technical records, service history, utilisation data and work scope requirements.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with company policies, procedures and regulatory requirements, with safety and a Just Culture approach embedded in decision-making.
About You
You are an organised and proactive purchasing professional who can manage multiple priorities, communicate confidently with a range of stakeholders and remain solutions-focused under pressure.
Approachable, open and collaborative, you take ownership of your work and look for practical ways to improve processes and supplier performance.
- Two to three years’ demonstrable experience within purchasing, procurement or a comparable role.
- Experience managing priorities, working to deadlines and responding effectively to multiple demands.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
- Confident negotiation and problem-solving ability, with a positive approach to resolving issues.
- Proficient administration, numerical and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Previous experience working with ERP systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with working knowledge of Power Point and Outlook.
- A collaborative team player who is approachable, open, honest and willing to take responsibility.
- Enthusiastic and assertive, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
- A continuous-improvement mindset and willingness to drive positive change.
- CIPS Level 4 qualification or currently working towards it.
- Previous aerospace or aviation industry experience.
- Experience procuring aircraft spares, raw materials and chemicals.
Why Join Draken?
At Draken, you'll be part of a team delivering world-class adversary air and mission training capabilities to military customers worldwide.
You'll have the opportunity to work on innovative technologies, influence future capability development and collaborate with some of the industry's leading engineers and operational specialists.
Our employee values
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings.
A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all.
At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect.
We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications.
In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
About Us
Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry.
Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off.
Being ready is not only a matter of when.
But where.
We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries.
Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Buyer in Bournemouth employer: Draken Europe
Draken Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment on Teesside where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to lead impactful procurement strategies that shape the future of the industry. With a culture that values continuous improvement and teamwork, Draken Europe provides a rewarding career path for those looking to make a significant difference in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Bournemouth
✨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 Draken Europe.
✨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 Buyer in Bournemouth
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 Draken Europe:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Draken Europe. 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 Draken Europe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨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 Draken Europe!
✨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 Draken Europe. 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 Draken Europe's culture.
