At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead negotiations and manage contracts with suppliers in the Avionics category.
- Company: Join Leonardo Helicopters, a leader in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the aerospace industry while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant procurement experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Professional to join Leonardo Helicopters as a Category Specialist, within the Avionic category. 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.
Responsibilities
- Developing category strategies and conducting market scouting activities
- Submitting strategies and new selection to Leonardo Helicopters leadership for approval
- Leading sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract development, and relationship management
- Overseeing development of new avionic equipment ensuring adherence to company's objectives
- Managing budgets and driving cost control initiatives
- Overseeing contract management and ensuring 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.
Qualifications
- 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
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English
- 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).
Benefits
- 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 part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
Primary Location: GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Avionics Category Specialist - Hybrid/Remote in Yeovil employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Leonardo Helicopters is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With generous leave policies, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to innovative projects in the aerospace sector. The collaborative work culture fosters strong supplier relationships and strategic initiatives, making it an ideal environment for procurement professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Avionics Category Specialist - Hybrid/Remote in Yeovil
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Avionics Category Specialist - Hybrid/Remote in Yeovil
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Avionics Category Specialist role. Highlight relevant procurement experience and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills match what we're looking for. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We want to see your ability to summarise and report effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’re good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the avionics category. Understand the key principles of supplier negotiations and contract management, as these will be central to your role. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is a must-have for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to explain how you've influenced stakeholders or resolved conflicts in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who can effectively manage relationships with both suppliers and internal teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to talk about how you've developed category strategies or conducted market scouting activities in the past. Think of specific instances where your strategic approach led to cost reductions or improved performance. This will show that you can think critically and contribute to Leonardo Helicopters' objectives.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Leonardo Helicopters values a good attitude and a willingness to learn, so don’t hesitate to express your eagerness to grow within the role. Share examples of how you've adapted to new challenges or learned new skills in your career. This will resonate well with the interviewers and highlight your potential for development.