At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement strategies and manage sub-contracts for high-impact projects.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while collaborating with diverse teams on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 58000 £ per year.
Job
Description: Salary: £53,000 - £58,000 Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands.
The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market.
Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your impact: Step into a Senior Sub-Contract Buyer role where you’ll help drive Leonardo’s corporate vision for Bid and Contract Management, working at the heart of a dynamic matrix organisation and supporting complex, high-impact projects.
Reporting to the Senior Procurement Manager, you’ll shape and implement procurement strategies across the full business lifecycle - working in teams through bid, delivery and support phases while managing sub-contracts and ensuring risks are controlled.
This is a standout opportunity for a high-calibre professional to thrive, influence key business decisions, and build strong relationships across Integrated Project Teams.
The role comes with hybrid working opportunities, inter site travel and scope for wider UK and occasional overseas travel.
If you’re a confident communicator with the ability to navigate procurement delivery challenges and collaborate cross-functionally, we’d love to hear from you.
- What you’ll bring
- Provide management and governance in sub-contracts with minimum supervision
- Accountable for procurement activities within the Project area
- Lead the delivery of sub-contract activities for which you are responsible
- Timely and accurate management of your order book in line with business process (e. g. SAP)
- Support the procurement interface with Bid Management and Project Management to develop the procurement value proposition and approach, flow down requirements and negotiation strategy
- Support the development of procurement models presenting an acceptable balance between contract performance, risk and reward
- Focal point for project and suppliers regarding contract and supply base matters
- Promote good customer relationships in managing internal and external stakeholders
- Work with other functions and be a focal point for procurement and suppliers
- Draft and prepare contract documentation using standard and non-standard formats
- Negotiate arrangements, incl. planning and creating negotiation strategies, agreements, resolving any issues
- Ensure that the team is managing risks, liabilities and commitments of contractual agreements
- Provide specialist knowledge of domain specific contract forms and terms, together with industry norms and legal parameters, for contract drafting and negotiation and for safeguarding the interests of the company
- Promotes a culture of best practice and sharing of knowledge within the function and across the wider business
- What you’ll bring
- The candidate is required to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and in depth understanding of the application of procurement competencies to underpin the responsibilities of the role.
- Specific to the nature of this role the candidate will be required to evidence;
- Demonstrated ability in working with Sub-Contracts that form part of the delivery of a project / programme.
- Demonstrated collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, decision making and continuous improvement skills
- Ability to engage and influence cross-functional/cross site teams
- Managed challenging engagements with suppliers where commercial terms and problem solving are key to successful outcome
- Experience of issues in areas such as Trade Compliance, Purchase Order Management, Delivery etc.
- Experience of negotiating contractual terms
- A good working knowledge and understanding of Defence Industry procurement and ability to apply them with minimal supervision and direction
- Relationship building skills with cross-functional colleagues, customers and suppliers
- An ability to think ‘outside of the box’ offering solutions to enable the function to add value
- Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers. uk. leonardo. com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance.
Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your
- Wellbeing
Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
- For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
- For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK.
Our employees are not just part of a team - they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.
We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers.
If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
- Primary Location: GB - Southampton
- Hybrid
Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo.
The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations.
Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Sub Contract Buyer in Southampton employer: Leonardo S.p.A.
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers employees to tackle complex technical challenges in the aerospace sector. With generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive learning opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance global safety. Located in Edinburgh, this role provides a unique chance to be part of a diverse team dedicated to shaping the future of technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sub Contract Buyer in Southampton
✨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 Leonardo S.p.A..
✨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 Senior Sub Contract Buyer in Southampton
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 Leonardo S.p.A.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Leonardo S.p.A.. 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 Leonardo S.p.A..
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo S.p.A.
✨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 Leonardo S.p.A.!
✨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 Leonardo S.p.A.. 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 Leonardo S.p.A.'s culture.
