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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and supplier management in the electronics category, driving cost reduction and quality.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a forward-thinking company committed to innovation and employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values continuous improvement and offers diverse career opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strategic sourcing is essential.
- Other info: Eligible for full security clearance; hybrid working options available.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Opportunity: A great opportunity has arisen to join the Electronics Procurement Category Management team. We are looking for an experienced Senior Category Buyer to join our electronics and interconnect & cable assemblies category. In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier and stakeholder relationships.
What you’ll do:
- You will be responsible for the definition and implementation of your own category strategies.
- Analyse the spend Categories managed by the Company, in terms of impact to business and Category complexity and identifying potential actions per each Category.
- Develop, with a view on continuous improvement, the strategic sourcing of suppliers, in order to achieve a reduction in purchasing costs, compliance with delivery deadlines and a high supply quality.
- Oversee suppliers and subcontractors, at program / LoB level, supporting verification of compliance with the contractual terms provided for what concerns performance, deadlines, and quality of supply and monitor the progress of supply contracts, verifying the existence of any critical issues and defining, at the same time, recovery plans.
What we need from you:
- You really must have: Responsibility for the definition and implementation of your own category strategies.
- Support in strategic Make or Buy (MoB) decisions, as regards single product development and choices of vertical integration and M&A strategies.
- Conduct a risk analysis for the purchase, by supplier or product, in order to mitigate and prevent risks associated with the purchasing process.
- Support the definition and application of offset strategies by leveraging knowledge of the supply market.
- Support the Sales Function in developing the economical offer, as regards the external costs.
- Analyse the spend Categories managed by the Company, in terms of impact to business and Category complexity and identifying potential actions per each Category.
- Determine objectively the optimal number and mix of suppliers for each region and category.
- Interface with other company functions in order to provide purchasing solutions, as far as the requests of internal customers are concerned.
- Analyse, by product category, products market trends and perform business intelligence activities, in order to improve the knowledge of the suppliers’ market.
- Apply the most relevant sourcing strategy by macrocategory.
- Support in tactical Make or Buy decisions, in order to address potential issues with regards to production capacity and activate operational procurement, if needed.
- Oversee suppliers and subcontractors, at program / LoB level, supporting verification of compliance with the contractual terms provided for what concerns performance, deadlines, and quality of supply.
- Define long-term sourcing strategies with suppliers, also with the support of the Procurement Program Manager.
- Monitor the progress of supply contracts, verifying the existence of any critical issues and defining, at the same time, recovery plans.
Security Clearance: You must be eligible for full security clearance.
Life at Leonardo: With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.
Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us.
Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme.
Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin.
Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300 Additional Locations: GB - Edinburgh Contract Type: Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Senior Category Buyer employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in electronics procurement and category management. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and electronics sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented category strategies in the past. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and any cost-saving initiatives you've led.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission. Tailor your conversations to align with our goals, showcasing how your skills and experiences can contribute to our success in the electronics procurement category.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, supplier negotiation, and strategic sourcing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to implement category strategies and manage supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with risk analysis and compliance monitoring.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as cost reductions you’ve achieved or successful supplier negotiations. This will help illustrate your impact in previous roles and your potential value to the company.
Prepare for Security Clearance: Since eligibility for full security clearance is required, be ready to provide any necessary documentation or information that may be needed during the vetting process. Mention your understanding of this requirement in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Understand the Category Management
Make sure you have a solid grasp of category management principles, especially in electronics and interconnect & cable assemblies. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in defining and implementing category strategies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves sourcing and negotiating with suppliers, come equipped with examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Highlight how these negotiations led to cost reductions or improved supplier relationships.
✨Prepare for Risk Analysis Questions
Expect questions about risk analysis in purchasing. Be ready to explain how you've identified and mitigated risks in past roles, particularly regarding supplier selection and product development.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires interfacing with various company functions. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with other departments to achieve purchasing solutions that meet internal customer needs.
