Category Buyer

Category Buyer

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create supplier contracts and develop sourcing strategies in a dynamic procurement environment.
  • Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a fantastic benefits package.
  • Other info: Access to over 4000 online courses and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a role that combines negotiation skills with innovative procurement strategies.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

An exciting and challenging opportunity has arisen to join our Edinburgh Procurement function as a Category Buyer in our Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business. The successful candidate will report to the Procurement Manager for this sector.

The Buyer will be responsible and accountable for the creation of supplier contracts to ensure commercial compliance in line with internal and external governance. They will be expected to contribute towards developing appropriate sourcing strategies at all phases of the product lifecycle, managing and reporting on their own work packages, expected to work independently and will be involved in supplier account management activities.

Your impact:
  • 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 the relevant Request For Quotation and Contract documentation packs such as Bid Packs, Contractual Terms, Price Agreements and Statements of Work.
  • Responsible for creating and presenting Contract Compliance packs for internal audit and to external Government bodies or their Agencies.
  • Market analysis of Supplier pricing to ensure price reasonableness is achieved and reported (benchmarking).
  • Plan and execute cost negotiation of Supplier pricing and provide reporting for internal / external Audit.
  • Provide analysis of material pricing to support the Product Cost Review Boards for NPI, with a view to highlighting cost reduction opportunities in line with declared project / product targets.
  • Collaborate with Design Engineering to understand our product route maps so market research can be undertaken to identify capable and sustainable sources of supply.
  • Identify and encourage Supplier competition for material requirements, utilising the Supply Review Board (SRB) process as an enabler.
  • Responsible for the management of Supplier delivery performance of Contracts throughout the Contract lifecycle in line with defined Key Performance Indicators (KPI's).
  • Responsible for managing the material budget associated with these requirements, reporting on aspects such as Revenue Forecasting and Estimate to Complete.
  • Identify and manage risk and opportunity, working collaboratively with Suppliers and other IPT members.
  • Deploy the appropriate SAP activity in order to carry out your job effectively, especially in relation to the creation of compliant Contracts.
What we need from you:
  • Exposure to / understanding of Contract Terms & Conditions
  • Good Negotiation skills
  • Ability to influence
  • Team Player
  • Analytical Mind
  • Numerate
  • Attention to detail
  • Good Communication skills (written & oral)
  • IT literate (MS Office & SAP knowledge preferred)
  • Organised
  • Innovative
  • Questioning
  • Multi-Tasker
It would be nice if you had:
  • CIPS preferred but not essential
  • Working knowledge of Trade / Export Compliance
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.

  • Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
  • Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
  • Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
  • Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, access to Mental Health support, Financial wellbeing support, network groups (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
  • Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
  • Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
  • Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
  • Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 7,000 are based in the UK. At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection. This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo’s future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us?

Category Buyer employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation

Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Edinburgh that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a robust benefits package including an award-winning pension scheme, flexible working options, and access to extensive training resources, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a culture where every individual can contribute meaningfully and feel valued.

Leonardo Worldwide Corporation

Contact Details:

Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Buyer

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 products and services, especially in procurement. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.

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 Category Buyer

Contract Terms & Conditions
Negotiation Skills
Influencing Skills
Team Collaboration
Analytical Skills
Numeracy
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, contract management, and negotiation skills that align with what we’re looking for.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role requires a strong analytical mind, don’t forget to include examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. We love seeing those numbers!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation

Know Your Contracts

Familiarise yourself with different types of contracts and their terms. Since the role involves creating supplier contracts, understanding NDA's, TAA's, and other agreements will show your preparedness and expertise.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Highlight your ability to influence outcomes and manage supplier pricing effectively, as this is crucial for the Category Buyer position.

Demonstrate Analytical Thinking

Be ready to discuss how you approach market analysis and cost reduction opportunities. Use specific examples to illustrate your analytical mindset and attention to detail, which are key for this role.

Engage with Team Dynamics

Emphasise your experience as a team player. Discuss how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams, especially in procurement or engineering contexts, to achieve common goals and improve supplier performance.