At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead negotiations and manage contracts with suppliers in the Avionic category.
- Company: Join Leonardo Helicopters, a global leader in Aerospace and Defence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and professional development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in strategic supplier relationships and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Relevant procurement experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary Range: £44,000 - £55,000
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
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.
What you will do as Procurement Category Specialist:
- 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.
What you’ll bring
- 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).
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.
- 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!
Category Specialist in Yeovil employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Yeovil where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive learning opportunities, we empower our team to excel in their roles while contributing to innovative projects in the aerospace and defence sectors. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your contributions and supports your career growth.
Contact Details:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist in Yeovil
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Know their values and how you can contribute. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills. As a Category Specialist, you’ll need to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist in Yeovil
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Specialist role. Highlight your relevant procurement experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; share specific examples of how you've improved performance, reduced costs, or successfully managed contracts. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your application easy to read. Remember, we want to see your skills without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Avionics category. Understand current trends, key suppliers, and recent innovations. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a big part of the role, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes in detail.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to share specific instances where you've tackled challenges in procurement. Highlight how you identified issues, implemented solutions, and what the results were. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company's future projects in the Avionics category or how they measure success in supplier relationships. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.
