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 40000 - 50000 € per year.
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:
- Play a key role within the Avionics category, leading end-to-end strategic, commercial, and operational procurement activities.
- Develop category strategies and conduct market scouting activities.
- Submit strategies and new selection to Leonardo Helicopters leadership for approval.
- Lead sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract development, and relationship management.
- Oversee development of new avionic equipment ensuring adherence to company's objectives.
- Manage budgets and drive cost control initiatives.
- Oversee contract management and ensure 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 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 - Yeovil - Lysander Rd
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Category Specialist in Yeovil employer: Leonardo
At Leonardo Helicopters, we prioritise our employees' growth and wellbeing, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to over 4,000 online courses for continuous learning. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the aerospace and defence sector. With flexible working options and opportunities for travel, you can thrive both personally and professionally in our dynamic team based in Yeovil.
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 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 values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 joining our team at Leonardo.
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 to highlight your relevant procurement experience. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for in a Category Specialist.
Show Off Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of how you've improved performance, reduced costs, or successfully managed contracts. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your communication skills shine through. Remember, we value excellent written communication, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the Avionics category. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with contract negotiations and supplier management, as these will be key topics during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed category strategies or conducted market scouting activities in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and align with Leonardo Helicopters' objectives.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are a must, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to summarise complex information and report on programmatic and contractual statuses, as this will likely come up in discussions.
✨Be Ready to Travel
As this role involves travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel both within the UK and overseas. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully managed travel for work, as this will show your readiness for the role.
