At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and tackle supply-chain challenges in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Gain exposure to contracts and grow within a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile programmes while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain is a plus; a good attitude is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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 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: Onsite
Sub Contract Buyer in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in the heart of Edinburgh. Our comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, empowers our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, while making a meaningful impact in the Aerospace, Defence, and Security sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sub Contract Buyer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 projects. Understand their procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their success. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to procurement and supply chain challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Sub Contract Buyer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Sub-Contract Buyer role. Highlight any procurement or supply chain experience, and don’t forget to mention your teamwork skills since collaboration is key in this position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Be sure to mention your interest in procurement contracts and your willingness to learn more.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves pricing and risk analysis, make sure to highlight your confidence with data and Excel. If you have examples of past projects where you’ve used these skills, definitely include them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your procurement knowledge. Understand key concepts like RFQs, POs, and supplier performance metrics. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the procurement strategies and tackle supply chain challenges.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves pricing and risk analysis using Excel, be prepared to discuss your experience with data. Bring examples of how you've used Excel in past roles, especially for cost analysis or managing procurement tasks. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness for the job.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position requires working closely with cross-functional teams. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with engineering, production, or commercial teams. Highlight how your teamwork led to successful project outcomes.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Leonardo values a good attitude and a willingness to grow. Be open about your eagerness to learn more about procurement contracts and supplier agreements. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in developing your career within their structured procurement function.