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- Tasks: Manage suppliers for next-gen optical systems, ensuring compliance with budget and schedule.
- Company: Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, employing over 53,000 worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team shaping innovation and enhancing global safety while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A good attitude and willingness to learn are essential; experience in procurement is a plus.
- Other info: This role requires security clearance and offers hybrid working options.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description:
Your impact
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, as a Senior Sub-Contract Buyer you will join the GCAP EOIR team which is developing next generation optical systems. You will be responsible and accountable for the management of suppliers that provide design services and material into this key programme. The scope of this role includes source selection and relationship management with a range of suppliers that are essential to the success of the Radar development and qualification. This role requires a close working relationship with engineering to help define technical requirements within each Sub-Contract, while ensuring functional compliance and satisfying the schedule and budget requirements of the programme.
What you’ll bring
- Primary interface between TE suppliers and the IPT, with responsibility for delivery of the activities within budget and schedule
- Identification of cost reduction opportunities including running competitive tenders and SRBs, and leading supplier lifecycle reviews
- Interpretation of technical requirements for effective incorporation into supplier contracts – primarily through SoWs
- Agreement of Change Proposal (CP) embodiment into supplier proposals and contracts, including schedule, cost and performance implications
- Responsible for putting in place the appropriate Commercial Agreements, including but not limited to, internal and external Customer flow downs, NDA\’s, TAA\’s and Export Licences etc
- Prepare routine Request for Quotation and Contract documentation packs such as Bid Packs, Contractual Terms and Price Agreements
- Responsible for creating and presenting Contract Compliance packs that will be subject to internal audit, and also for external audit by the Customer
- Ensure price reasonableness is achieved and reported, with benchmarking where possible
- Deliver and/or support cost negotiation of Supplier pricing and provide reporting for internal /external Audit
- Prepare varied Lifecycle Management reporting to outline the status and progress of material sourcing, Contracting Compliance and Bid Support
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). For more information and guidance please visit:
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.
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.
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Primary Location:
GB – Edinburgh
Contract Type:
Employee-Permanent
Hybrid Working:
Hybrid #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Sub-Contract Buyer employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sub-Contract Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, especially in the aerospace and defence sectors. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to staying updated.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry through platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to build connections that could lead to referrals or insider information about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiated contracts in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Leonardo's recent projects and initiatives in optical systems and procurement. Being able to reference these during your conversation will show your genuine interest in the company and the role you're applying for.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sub-Contract Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Sub-Contract Buyer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as supplier management, cost reduction, and contract compliance.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in procurement, supplier relationship management, and any technical knowledge that aligns with the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the job requirements. Emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt, as well as your ability to work closely with engineering teams to meet project goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to showcase skills such as negotiation, contract management, and compliance reporting. Mention any experience with competitive tenders or lifecycle management that could be beneficial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Sub-Contract Buyer. Familiarise yourself with supplier management, cost reduction strategies, and the importance of technical requirements in contracts.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to interpreting technical requirements and how they affect supplier contracts. Brush up on your knowledge of Statements of Work (SoWs) and be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with cost negotiations and competitive tenders. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated terms that benefited your previous employers.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
Since the job description mentions a good attitude and willingness to learn as key skills, be sure to express your eagerness to grow within the role and adapt to new challenges.
