At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead negotiations and manage contracts with suppliers in the Sub-Contracting category.
- Company: Join Leonardo Helicopters, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in strategic supplier relationships and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Relevant procurement experience and a degree in Business Management or Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Professional to join Leonardo Helicopters as a Category Specialist, within the Sub-Contracting category.
Your impact
As a Procurement Category Specialist you will, primarily and in support of all Leonardo Helicopters platforms and all the geographical locations, lead negotiations and manage contracts with suppliers.
We can offer you the opportunity to play a leading part in strategic supplier relationships, which are key to the successful performance of specific programmes within Leonardo Helicopters. Within this role, you could have the opportunity to travel and there will be a mix of onsite and remote working.
What you will do as Procurement Category Specialist:
- Play a key role within the Sub-Contracting category, leading end-to-end strategic, commercial, and operational procurement activities.
- Develop category strategies and conduct market scouting activities.
- Submit strategies and new selection to Leonardo Helicopters leadership for approval.
- Lead sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract development, and relationship management.
- Oversee development of new sub-contracting equipment ensuring adherence to company's objectives.
- Manage budgets and drive cost control initiatives.
- Oversee contract management and ensure effective contract execution.
You will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver value, mitigate risk, and support business objectives across the procurement lifecycle.
What you’ll bring:
- Relevant procurement or commercial experience with proven examples of performance improvement against core objectives (e.g. cost reduction, schedule adherence, lead time reduction etc.).
- Experience of negotiation, agreement and management of contracts for complex contracts.
- Degree / HNC in Business Management or Engineering (or equivalent) and/or MCIPS Corporate qualification or relevant experience within the Defence/Aerospace Sector or wider industry.
- A proven ability to influence internally and externally and solve problems using own initiative.
- A proven ability to summarize and report programmatic and contractual status to Leadership.
- Advanced team working skills and capable of co-ordinating multi-functional team activity.
- Proven ability to work in international markets.
- Able & willing to travel alone or as part of a team within the UK and overseas.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
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).
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.
- 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 LinkedIn 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 a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
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.
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.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Category Specialist in Yeovil 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 Category Specialist in Yeovil
✨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 Category Specialist in Yeovil
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.
