At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and procure aerospace materials, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Company: Leading manufacturing business in the aerospace sector, based near Welwyn Garden City.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and a supportive work environment with career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in aerospace innovation and supply chain management.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within aerospace or regulated industries; degree in relevant field preferred.
- Other info: Days only role (Mon-Fri) with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Competitive + benefits including bonus
Welwyn Garden City
Days Only (Mon-Fri)
gap technical are proud to be representing this manufacturing business in their search for a Technical Buyer to work at their facility based near Welwyn Garden City.
Performance Objectives
- Source and procure aerospace approved materials, precision components, machined parts, composites and specialist services.
- Manage RFQs and competitive tendering to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets, covering both existing demand and to support customer bid work.
- Negotiate long term agreements with strategic aerospace suppliers, including tier 1 and tier 2 manufacturers.
- Ensure full compliance with AS9100 procurement controls and customer specific requirements.
- Manage supplier relationships with a focus on traceability, material certification, and conformity.
- Work with quality teams to ensure supplier adherence to aerospace standards.
- Monitor supplier performance using metrics such as OTIF, concession rates, and audit outcomes.
- Support supplier audits and source inspections, including corrective and preventive action (CAPA) management.
- Read and interpret aerospace technical drawings, engineering specifications, and BOMs.
- Collaborate with design engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams during NPI and prototype development.
- Provide manufacturability and sourcing input during design reviews.
- Support engineering change control (ECN/ECO) and ensure procurement actions align with airworthiness requirements.
- Ensure that indirect goods and services are procured at best value to support site operations.
- Identify opportunities to introduce new suppliers where appropriate.
- Identify ways to streamline the transactional elements related to the procurement of indirect goods and services.
- Ensure that robust contracts are in place to ensure that suppliers are accountable for their performance.
- Supplier performance improvement (OTIF, quality PPM, audit scores).
- Cost savings and value engineering contributions.
- Compliance metrics - reduction of non-conformances, improved traceability.
- On time procurement support for aerospace programs and NPIs.
- Lead time reduction and improved supply chain resilience.
Person Specification
- Proven procurement experience within the aerospace sector or other highly regulated industries.
- Strong understanding of aerospace materials (aluminium, titanium, composites), precision machining, electronics, surface treatments, and NADCAP controlled processes.
- Familiarity with regulatory and certification requirements (AS9100, EASA/FAA, DFARS/ITAR advantageous).
- Experience working with aerospace tiered supply chains and specialist subcontractors.
- Good understanding of commercial contract law and the ability to incorporate within supplier agreements.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing process documentation.
- Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Aerospace, Supply Chain, or related discipline (preferred).
- CIPS qualification or progression towards CIPS (beneficial).
- Knowledge of AS9100 or other aerospace quality standards (advantageous).
Apply
Please send your CV via the Apply now option on the website. If you have any questions or are interested in any other opportunities we may have, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of gap technical who are operating as an employment agency. gap technical are committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job.
Closing Date: 12/04/2026
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Technical Buyer employer: Gap Technical Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gap Technical Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Technical Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your research game on! Familiarise yourself with the companies you're interested in, especially their procurement processes and supplier relationships. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to procurement and aerospace standards. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to refine your answers and boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. So, hit that 'Apply now' button and let's get you closer to landing that Technical Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within the aerospace sector, and showcase any relevant qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to sourcing aerospace materials and managing supplier relationships. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to highlight your experience with aerospace materials and compliance standards like AS9100. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of the industry and how they’ve contributed to past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we're here to help!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gap Technical Ltd
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of aerospace materials like aluminium, titanium, and composites. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you understand the technical aspects of the role and can engage with suppliers effectively.
✨Master the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with AS9100 and other relevant regulatory requirements. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality standards in procurement.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially with tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers. Highlight how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier performance, as this is crucial for a Technical Buyer role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Be ready to discuss how procurement fits into the overall supply chain and manufacturing process. Showing that you can collaborate with design engineering and quality teams during NPI will set you apart from other candidates.