Strategic Sub-Contract Buyer — Hybrid (Edinburgh)

Your Impact

We are looking for a Sub‑Contract Buyer to join our Procurement team in Edinburgh, supporting our Radar Surveillance line of business. This is a key role within our Aftermarket & Support function, where your work will directly enable long‑term customer support and programme success. You will partner closely with cross‑functional teams to shape procurement strategies, tackle complex supply‑chain challenges, and make a visible impact across high‑profile programmes. The role follows a hybrid working model, with a minimum of three days per week based onsite in Edinburgh and up to two days remote. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment and enjoy driving results, this is the opportunity for you.

What You’ll Bring

• Act as the procurement lead within cross‑functional teams, working closely with engineering, production, commercial, and project colleagues.
• Contribute to procurement strategies throughout the full project lifecycle, working closely with the production procurement team to identify joint opportunities.
• Support defining long‑term sourcing strategies with suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance through regular engagement, business reviews, and proactive risk management.
• Accountable for the programme product total material cost and for the procurement plan.
• Within IPTs, manage procurement activities within the project prepare and update the Project Procurement Plan, manage purchases and suppliers, manage expediting for the Line of Business (LoB), certify and manage external costs during the contractual phase, and verify the consistency of purchase requests with demand planning.
• Act as the point of reference in managing procurement orders and demand control for the Business.
• Manage end‑to‑end sourcing tasks, including Requests for Quotation (RFQ) and Purchase Order (PO) placement, using SAP.
• Translate overall Business plans into a long‑term forecast.
• Provide insightful analysis of material pricing to support Product Cost Review Boards, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation aligned with project targets.
• Perform pricing and risk analysis using Excel, working with data across multiple files and sources.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the function.
• Support and administer contracts and contractual documentation, working with procurement manager.
• Gain exposure to procurement contracts, terms and conditions, and supplier agreements, with the opportunity to develop knowledge and experience in this area.
• Experience in procurement, supply chain, or commercial roles.
• Exposure to working in project or programme‑based environments.
• Experience with supplier sourcing, RFQs, or purchase orders.
• Confidence working with data and numbers, including Excel for pricing or cost analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP experience is a plus, but not essential).
• An interest in developing knowledge of procurement contracts, terms, and supplier agreements.
• Willingness to learn and grow within a structured procurement function.

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

• 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.

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.