At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sub-contract activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and continuous learning with access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the Radar and Advanced Targeting sector while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in Procurement, preferably in Defence/Aerospace.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 58000 £ per year.
Salary: £53,000 - £58,000
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your Impact
The role of a Senior Sub-Contract Buyer at Leonardo offers a wide variety of experiences and is both exciting and challenging in its nature. This role in particular represents a unique opportunity for a high calibre candidate to thrive and grow within the Radar and Advanced Targeting sector. This role will involve actively working in a matrix organisation structure supporting a variety of complex assignments for both Production and Development Integrated Project Teams (IPT's) in the Radar and Advanced Targeting sector. The focus for this role will be the management of complex sub-contract commitments for requirements that require both tactical and strategic thinking, supply will be both tangible and intangible in their nature. The IPTs demand associated with Production & Development continues to grow within the Radar and Advanced Targeting Sector and requires any individual successfully appointed able to translate complex, early concept customer requirements and ensure that these are carefully flowed down to subcontractors ensuring back-to-back campaigns and project execution. The ability to build, foster and create value with strategic partners and suppliers is essential.
What you'll bring
- Lead the delivery of sub-contract activities and other procurement related services which may be required by the business
- Lead relationships with Leonardo suppliers, holding reviews, ensuring performance management, risks and impacts
- Negotiate complex agreements and risk/reward mechanisms for business case models
- Translate customer / project requirements into commercial documents, particularly pertaining to the design, development and production of bespoke complex electronic systems and sub-systems
- Understand mechanisms of mitigating risk associated with entering into commercial agreements
- Develop and negotiate robust contracts for services, intangible and tangible deliverables
- Working in collaboration with cross functional stakeholders to ensure the flowdown of appropriate terms and conditions from customer contracts to enable compliance with contractual obligations and mitigate commercial / contractual risks
- Promotes customer intimacy in both internal and external relationships
- Focal point for project and suppliers regarding contract and supply base matters
- Drives and leads strategies to influence business decisions throughout the project life cycle
- Identify solutions for complex areas of potential risk /opportunity e.g. sub-contract risk, IPR, liability and exchange rate exposure etc. and deliver solutions/mitigation's
You really must have:
- Requires technical training to degree standard, professional qualification and/or significant domain experience (studying towards or achievement of MCIPS is preferred)
- Demonstrated collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, influencing, decision making and continuous improvement skills
- A good working knowledge and understanding of Procurement within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector) and ability to apply them with minimal supervision and direction
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.
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: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Senior Sub-Contract Buyer in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With comprehensive benefits including generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, our team members are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in Luton, Lincoln, or Bristol, where you will lead a talented community of engineers dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology that protects lives and enhances mission effectiveness.
Contact Details:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sub-Contract Buyer in Edinburgh
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Leonardo Worldwide Corporation.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sub-Contract Buyer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Leonardo Worldwide Corporation:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Leonardo Worldwide Corporation. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Leonardo Worldwide Corporation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Leonardo Worldwide Corporation's culture.
