At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing projects and manage supplier relationships in the aviation sector.
- Company: Join a world-leading airline with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration in a global environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in aviation procurement while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 5-10 years of MRO procurement experience required.
Are you ready to take the next step in your procurement career within aviation? We’re partnering with a world-leading airline to hire an experienced Senior Buyer to join their team at Waterside.
Location - London (Waterside) – minimum 2 days per week in the office. 6 months initial contract with potential extension. Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week. Travel required based on business needs.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Category, you will support the development and delivery of sourcing strategies across the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul category. The focus is on driving cost efficiencies while improving supplier performance and service quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support strategic sourcing projects, ensuring compliance with governance and policies.
- Build and manage strong relationships with global MRO suppliers.
- Drive commercial value through effective supplier management and negotiation.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities using market insights and benchmarking.
- Manage supplier risk to protect the organisation.
- Deliver complex sourcing initiatives within tight deadlines.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to secure best value outcomes.
Requirements
- Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Engineering, Business, or Economics.
- 5–10 years’ procurement experience within the MRO sector (airline or OEM background essential).
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Proven experience working within large, complex, global organisations.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead through change.
- Advanced contract negotiation and supplier management expertise.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Flexibility to travel as required.
If you’re motivated to progress your career in a high-impact aviation procurement role, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Buyer in Slough employer: Hays
Join a world-leading airline at Waterside, London, where we prioritise employee growth and development in a dynamic work culture. As a Senior Buyer, you will benefit from competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to lead impactful sourcing initiatives within a global organisation, all while collaborating with top-tier suppliers in the aviation sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their sourcing strategies and challenges in the MRO sector. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can add real value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about driving commercial value, being able to demonstrate your negotiation prowess in interviews will set you apart. We suggest role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talent that fits our culture and values, so make sure you showcase your unique skills and experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in the MRO sector, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive cost efficiencies and manage supplier relationships.
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 your degree and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities, like leading sourcing projects and managing supplier risk.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your advanced contract negotiation and supplier management skills. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've influenced senior stakeholders and delivered value in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our team at Waterside!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the MRO sector. Be ready to discuss specific sourcing strategies you've implemented and how they drove cost efficiencies. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have real-world experience.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight how you managed supplier relationships and achieved commercial value. This is crucial for a Senior Buyer role, so be ready to demonstrate your expertise in contract negotiation and supplier management.
✨Understand the Company’s Needs
Research the airline's current challenges and goals in procurement. Tailor your answers to show how your skills can help them achieve their objectives. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their procurement strategies and team dynamics. Building a connection can make a lasting impression and show that you’re a team player.
