At a Glance
- Tasks: Source materials and services, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance in aerospace.
- Company: Leading aerospace manufacturing facility near Heathrow Airport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Regular supplier visits and potential for business travel.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the aerospace industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in procurement or related field; experience in strategic sourcing and contract negotiation.
I am seeking a Strategic Buyer to join a leading aerospace manufacturing facility based near Heathrow Airport. This key operational role is responsible for the strategic sourcing of services and materials, from market analysis and supplier selection through contract negotiation and supplier performance management. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, Legal and Compliance to secure commercially effective, compliant and sustainable agreements that support operational requirements.
Role: Strategic Buyer
Location: Hayes, West London
Hours: Full-time Mon-Fri. Office hours.
Salary: £47K - £56K
Main responsibilities:
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned service and material categories, based on business requirements, market conditions, risk and total cost.
- Lead requests for quotation and supplier selection activities, ensuring decisions are transparent, objective and appropriately documented.
- Negotiate complex commercial contracts, including pricing, payment terms, service levels, liability, warranties, intellectual property, confidentiality, termination and renewal provisions.
- Work closely with the Legal department on contract drafting, review and approval, and ensure that commercial positions and risks are clearly understood by stakeholders.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable legislation, internal policies, delegated authorities, ethical standards, sanctions and export control requirements, data protection obligations and other relevant compliance requirements.
- Identify, assess and mitigate commercial, contractual, supply chain and supplier risks, escalating material issues where required.
- Conduct supplier and market research, benchmarking and cost analysis to identify savings, cost avoidance, resilience and value improvement opportunities.
- Build effective relationships with demand owners, Finance, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Information Security and other internal functions.
- Manage supplier relationships and performance, including business reviews, corrective actions, claims, changes and contract renewals.
- Visit and host current and prospective suppliers for negotiations, assessments, reviews and relationship management.
- Provide cover for Operative Buyers during periods of absence or increased workload, including the creation and management of purchase orders, expediting activities and supplier coordination as required.
- Maintain complete and audit-ready sourcing and contract records, and provide clear updates on progress, risks, decisions and agreed actions.
- Work independently, prioritise competing requirements and take ownership of activities through to completion.
Education & Qualification:
Degree or recognised professional qualification in procurement, supply chain management, business, law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification or progress towards CIPS membership is desirable.
Ideal candidate profile:
- Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management.
- Proven track record in negotiating commercial contracts and supplier agreements.
- Good legal and contractual understanding, including working closely with Legal departments.
- Strong knowledge of procurement compliance and corporate governance.
- Experience managing both services and materials procurement categories.
- Strong commercial awareness, analytical thinking, and negotiation skills.
- Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, forecasting, and dashboard creation.
- Strong PowerPoint skills for executive presentations, business cases, supplier reviews, and strategy updates.
- Practical experience using AI tools and digital technologies to improve procurement processes, reporting, and decision-making.
- Experience conducting supplier assessments and managing supplier performance.
- Knowledge of ERP systems, preferably SAP.
- Aviation or aerospace procurement experience is desirable.
- Understanding of information security principles; ISO 27001 awareness is advantageous.
Other:
Regular supplier visits and occasional business travel might be required. Due to the number of applications we receive, it's not always possible to contact unsuccessful applicants. Unless you hear from us within 14 days of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Strategic Buyer in Hayes employer: Line Up Aviation
As a Windows Engineer in Stevenage, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional IT services within a supportive and collaborative work environment. The company prioritises employee growth, offering continuous training and development opportunities, while also providing competitive pay and a strong focus on work-life balance. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, this role promises a rewarding career path in a thriving location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer in Hayes
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Line Up Aviation for a Strategic Buyer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer in Hayes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Line Up Aviation, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Line Up Aviation, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Line Up Aviation
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Line Up Aviation.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Line Up Aviation. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Line Up Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
