Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Facilities Management and Construction, driving innovative projects.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in FM procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Come and join our UK Sites and Professional Services procurement team! We lead all aspects of Construction, Facilities Management and Professional Services spend across the Group.
Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience
Location: Stevenage (We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role)
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 1-2 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more
The opportunity:
Are you an experienced Senior Buyer with experience in some or all of the following categories: Facilities Management, Logistics & Warehousing including international logistics (freight forwarding and charter) and looking for a new role? Are you looking to be involved in unique business looking to increase in scale across all sites? Are you looking to expand your existing knowledge and skills? Are you looking to work flexibly and dynamically with a role that better suits your lifestyle but gives you a professional challenge?
Come and join our UK Sites and Professional Services procurement team! We lead all aspects of Construction, Facilities Management and Professional Services spend across the Group. Here at MBDA we’re making significant infrastructure investment across all our UK sites to support company growth over the coming years with multiple new buildings, building upgrades and refurbishments and all the services to support the larger footprint.
You will work in partnership with our internal customers to lead procurement competitions in the UK, develop our procurement pipeline working with the FM department, champion the right relationships with our stakeholders (both internal and external) and Contractors and deliver the right procurement outcomes for MBDA. This role is one where you will run and build competitions for the UK with the opportunity to expand to other countries by leading transversal teams to deliver on MBDA requirements.
Your role would sit within "UK Site Services Domain", which consists of a number of procurement professionals at various levels with great career development opportunities, based in Stevenage and Bolton. This Domain leads all aspects of Facilities Management, International Facilities (new facilities overseas), consulting, engineering services, temporary worker requirements, external HR requirement and L&D. It is part of a wider international Indirect team across France and Italy. Indirect Procurement acts as a real business partner and utilises procurement standard process. We have an excellent reputation for attracting and nurturing talent, developing individual potential and providing opportunities to learn and grow.
We are keen to offer flexibility and hybrid working, making this role unique in us being able to tailor the role to meet individual needs of the right candidate. There are few procurement roles that offer such a dynamic and flexible working pattern, across a large number of exciting projects and spend portfolio the potential for career development within a growing and constantly-evolving company.
Responsibilities:
- Provide support to the FM & Construction procurement strategy with duties consisting but not limited to:
- Working with and guiding stakeholders on procurement process and strategy
- Running & supporting Competitive Tender Events via the Ivalua e-procurement tool
- Build Request For Proposal tender packs from MBDA and industry standard templates
- Planning Tender Programmes with internal stakeholders and external consultants
- Sourcing exercises
- Identify savings opportunities, capture & record Savings achieved via sourcing events
- Produce and present Procurement Gate Reviews to ensure MBDA Indirect Procurement Process is adhered to.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers to optimise cost, delivery and quality of services and products
- Understand and be able to initially negotiate contract clauses.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers in order to meet Internal Customer requirements effectively
- Build strong relationships with UK FM, Security, SHE (Safety), and International Facilities teams in order to support their requirements and needs
- Actively support functional excellence programmes, identifying areas for improvement where new processes may be required
Requirements:
- Someone who understands any aspect of FM and construction procurement, Contract negotiation and utilisation.
- Significant practical experience, vocational or academic qualifications
- Strong team and communication skills
- Good written, verbal and presentation skills
- Good negotiation skills
- Proactive approach / self-starter and able to work under pressure and independently and as a team player
- Good organisational, planning and admin skills
- Pragmatic approach to problems & issues
- Good commercial experience of contract terms of FM and other service contracts.
- Knowledge of cost make-up and pricing is desirable but not essential
- Experience in international freight forwarding (including charter flights) is desirable but not essential
Our company:
Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more.
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Lead Buyer - Facilities Management Services employer: Mbda Uk
Contact Detail:
Mbda Uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer - Facilities Management Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Lead Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Understand their recent projects and challenges in Facilities Management. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Lead Buyer, 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
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at MBDA. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Buyer - Facilities Management Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Buyer role. Highlight your experience in Facilities Management and any relevant procurement strategies you've implemented. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your flexibility and willingness to adapt to our dynamic working environment.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements. Did you save costs or improve processes? Quantify your successes to give us a clear picture of your impact in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mbda Uk
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Facilities Management and Construction procurement. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past, especially around competitive tendering and contract negotiation. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with internal teams or suppliers in previous roles. Highlight your communication style and how it fosters teamwork.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss your approach. Think of a time when you successfully negotiated terms that benefited your company. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes, as this will showcase your ability to optimise cost, delivery, and quality.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities. For instance, they might ask how you would handle a supplier dispute or identify savings opportunities. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and logically, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach and organisational skills.
