At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Procurement Team to manage electro/mechanical buying and supplier relationships.
- Company: Leonardo, a leading company in Defence and Aerospace.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or relevant experience; MCIPS preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Your impact
We are looking for an experienced Procurement professional to join our Procurement Team within the Electronic Warfare (EW) Line of Business (Capability Green – Luton). A good level of technical understanding for electro / mechanical buying, negotiation experience, relationship management and stakeholder management will form core elements of the role. This role will involve actively working in a matrix organisation structure reporting directly to the Senior Procurement Manager within Combat Air (EW). The successful applicant will deliver various electro / mechanical materials, across the various Integrated Project Teams (IPTs). The successful candidate must have a good understanding of procuring tangible materials preferably linked to electro / mechanical components. Working alongside our approved Strategic Suppliers, creating innovative solutions and collaborative relationships.
What you’ll bring
- Oversee Supplier competitions and establish multiple-source options where risk requires.
- Develop effective relationships both horizontally and vertically with the Electro / Mechanical Suppliers, to influence successful outcomes.
- Translate customer / project requirements into Procurement documents where required contractually or to support Life Cycle Management (LCM) governance.
- Work with stakeholders, at all levels, in order to understand internal customer requirements and critical success factors.
- Understanding mechanisms of mitigating risk associated when entering into commercial agreements. Also, consider risk / resilience within the supply base.
- Negotiate standard Leonardo contracts for materials in standard formats.
- Ensure that the appropriate commercial protections are in place such as; effective Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) / Export Licences etc.
- Identify solutions for areas of potential risk / opportunity e.g. sub-contract risk, IPR, liability and exchange rate exposure etc.
- Maintain a close working relationship with the UK Strategic Category team ensuring there is a good communication model established.
- Promotes a culture of best practice and sharing of knowledge within the function and across the wider business.
- Management of Compliance and Governance, restrictions for all procured items.
You really must have:
- Strong and effective communication skills, with the ability to develop and nurture internal and external relationships, promote customer intimacy and team working.
- A record of accomplishment for delivering tangible materials of a complex nature.
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent or significant relevant work experience (studying towards or achievement of MCIPS is preferred).
It would be nice if you had:
- A good working knowledge and understanding of Procurement within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector).
- A good understanding of electro / mechanical procurement within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector).
- Degree or equivalent in Business Studies.
- Ideally MCIPS qualified or studying towards.
- SAP familiarity (or equivalent integrated business systems).
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 (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 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 part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Category Buyer in Caddington employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Procurement professionals in Luton. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, which includes generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to mental health support. We foster a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the Defence/Aerospace sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Caddington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Leonardo or in the procurement field on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Think of real-life examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or mitigated risks. We want to see that you can handle the heat!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your understanding of electro/mechanical procurement! Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in this area before. It’s all about demonstrating your expertise and passion for the field.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Leonardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Caddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in electro/mechanical procurement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate how you've effectively managed relationships in the past. Share examples of how you’ve influenced outcomes or collaborated with stakeholders.
Highlight Your Negotiation Experience:We’re looking for someone with solid negotiation skills, so be sure to include any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or agreements. This will help us see your capability in action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electro and mechanical procurement. Understand the key components and materials relevant to the role, as well as the specific challenges faced in the Defence/Aerospace industry. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it relates to the job.
✨Build Relationships
Since relationship management is crucial for this role, think about examples from your past where you've successfully built and maintained relationships with suppliers or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to foster collaboration within the Integrated Project Teams.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your negotiation experience. Prepare some scenarios where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or resolved conflicts. Highlight your strategies for ensuring commercial protections and mitigating risks, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
The job description mentions a good attitude and willingness to learn as essential traits. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve approached learning in your previous roles, whether through formal education like MCIPS or on-the-job experiences. This will show that you're adaptable and eager to grow within the company.
