Senior Procurement Business Partner - Airport Operations in Luton

Senior Procurement Business Partner - Airport Operations in Luton

Luton Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for airport operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in services.
  • Company: Join London Luton Airport, a rapidly growing hub of innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team driving significant airport expansion and improvements.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical airport services and shape the future of travel.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement within aviation or operational services is essential.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

You will lead on activities across FM, cleaning, waste, security services, safety-critical systems and wider operational contracts. You'll act as a trusted partner to operational, engineering, and safety teams, balancing commercial rigour with the realities of a 24/7 operational environment.

As a Senior Procurement Business Partner - Airport Operations, you will lead procurement activity across core airport operations, supporting the sourcing and management of services and systems that underpin passenger safety, guest experience and operational continuity. It spans the full procurement lifecycle, with accountability for commercial delivery, supplier performance and stakeholder engagement across ELT and SLT levels.

Responsibilities
  • Lead end-to-end procurement activity: market engagement, sourcing strategy, tendering, evaluation, contracting and supplier management.
  • Partner with operational and service leaders to identify needs, build sourcing strategies and deliver procurement plans.
  • Procure and manage airside and landside services critical to safe and efficient operations.
  • Support sourcing of regulated services such as terminal security, ground handling and emergency operations.
  • Lead projects involving innovation and automation (e.g. self-service baggage or biometric security systems).
  • Develop and maintain the procurement pipeline for airport operations, aligned to risk, resilience and efficiency goals.
  • Lead supplier negotiations, contract award and the setup of performance-based contract frameworks.
  • Analyse operational performance data to inform sourcing decisions and contract renewals.
  • Deliver detailed reporting on procurement progress, commercial performance and supplier KPIs.
  • Ensure contractual compliance, risk management and continuous improvement in supplier performance.
  • Build strong relationships with ELT/SLT to align procurement strategies with organisational goals.
  • Provide commercial support and spend insights to head office functions.
Profile

A successful Senior Procurement Partner - Managing all end to end procurements for airport operations should have:

  • Procurement experience within FM, cleaning, facilities, soft/hard services, or operational categories.
  • Experience in sourcing operational services within aviation, transport, logistics, or critical infrastructure.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end procurement and supplier relationships in complex environments.
  • Strong knowledge of contract performance management and service-based KPIs.
  • Skilled in managing full procurement lifecycle and delivering business value through supplier engagement.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at ELT/SLT level.
  • Strategic thinking with commercial acumen and strong negotiation capability.
  • Ideally MCIPS qualified.
Job Offer

Competitive salary c£70k Basic + Bonus + Package (circa 90K) per annum. An opportunity to make an impact and help shape the role whilst managing a small team based in Luton, offering a convenient location for work-life balance. A role where you can see the real-world impact of your decisions across a major UK airport. Opportunity to influence critical operational services and drive long-term improvements. A supportive procurement team that values innovation, collaboration and professional development. Chance to contribute to the optimisation of airport operations as they grow.

Senior Procurement Business Partner - Airport Operations in Luton employer: Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain

London Luton Airport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior Procurement Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of airport operations while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive team. With the airport's exciting expansion plans, you'll have the chance to make a tangible impact on passenger safety and operational efficiency in a location that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain

Contact Details:

Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Business Partner - Airport Operations in Luton

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to airport operations. Attend events or webinars, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. For a role like Senior Procurement Business Partner, understand their procurement strategies and how they align with operational goals. This will help you showcase your knowledge and passion during the interview.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a procurement expert, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.

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 and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make some magic happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Business Partner - Airport Operations in Luton

Procurement Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Market Engagement
Sourcing Strategy Development
Tendering and Evaluation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Procurement Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within FM and operational services, and showcase how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in complex environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at London Luton Airport. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your strategic thinking and negotiation skills.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to influence and engage with stakeholders at all levels. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships with ELT/SLT and how that has led to successful procurement outcomes.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain

Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in FM, cleaning, and operational services. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage end-to-end procurement processes.

Understand the Airport Operations Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of airport operations, such as safety-critical systems and 24/7 environments. This will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can align procurement strategies with operational needs.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to influence decisions at ELT/SLT levels and how you’ve built strong relationships to drive procurement success.

Be Ready for Negotiation Scenarios

Expect questions around negotiation tactics and supplier management. Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve led negotiations or improved supplier performance, and be prepared to share those stories to illustrate your commercial acumen.