Junior Buyer (Corporate Procurement) in Belfast

Navantia UK is a UK incorporated company, subsidiary of Spanish Navantia, created to work with UK industrial partners in shipbuilding, defence and offshore wind energy. With a history that goes back more than 300 years, Navantia is a world reference in the design, building, integration and life‑cycle support of state‑of‑the‑art war ships for the Spanish Navy and international customers and has extensive experience in ToT programmes.

Job Purpose

To support the Corporate Procurement team in the delivery of day‑to‑day purchasing activities, ensuring the timely and cost‑effective supply of goods and services across the organisation. The role provides an opportunity to develop core procurement knowledge, commercial awareness, and an understanding of company procurement processes, systems, policies and supplier relationships. Working under close supervision, the Junior Buyer performs routine procurement and administrative activities while developing technical and professional procurement skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement Support
  • Assist with sourcing activities for goods, materials and services in accordance with company procurement procedures.
  • Support the preparation, creation and processing of purchase requisitions and purchase orders.
  • Obtain and compile supplier quotations for review and evaluation.
  • Follow up on purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
  • Support supplier communications regarding orders, deliveries and routine enquiries.
  • Assist with resolving invoice discrepancies and support the purchase‑to‑pay process.
• Supplier and Contract Support
  • Contribute to supplier performance monitoring and reporting activities.
  • Maintain supplier records and procurement documentation.
  • Support supplier onboarding and administrative processes where required.
  • Assist in gathering market and supplier information to support procurement activities.
• Administration and Data Management
  • Maintain accurate procurement data within company systems and databases.
  • Ensure procurement records, files and documentation are complete and up to date.
  • Generate routine procurement reports and provide administrative support to the procurement team.
  • Support compliance with procurement policies, procedures and audit requirements.
• Stakeholder Support
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal stakeholders.
  • Respond to routine procurement queries and direct more complex matters to senior team members.
  • Support cross‑functional collaboration to ensure procurement requirements are met efficiently.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing procurement processes and efficiency.
  • Identify opportunities to improve data quality, reporting and administrative processes.
  • Support implementation of procurement best practices and standard operating procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Basic analytical and problem‑solving capability.
• Collaborative and team‑oriented approach.
• Customer‑focused mindset with a willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow established procedures and processes accurately.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Basic understanding of procurement, purchasing or supply chain principles.
• Awareness of commercial and supplier management concepts.
• Exposure to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Interest in pursuing professional procurement qualifications such as CIPS.

Generic Level Expectations (S1)

Level Overview: Provides technical and/or business support services to operational or functional teams under close supervision. Performs routine activities requiring basic knowledge of procurement principles and a general understanding of departmental procedures and practices.

Complexity, Expertise and Problem Solving

Learns and applies job‑specific skills to structured and routine tasks. Uses established procedures, processes and guidance. Focuses on developing competence through practical experience. Resolves issues of limited scope using known procedures and guidance. Escalates non‑routine or complex matters appropriately.

Decision Making and Autonomy

Works within clearly defined procedures and established guidelines. Decisions are generally limited to routine matters and made in consultation with others. Work progress is reviewed regularly, typically on a daily basis. Receives ongoing guidance and support from supervisors and colleagues.

Communication and Stakeholder Interaction

Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders. Asks questions to clarify requirements and confirms understanding. Participates in routine exchanges of information. External interactions, where applicable, may be monitored or supported by senior team members.

Supervision

Receives regular coaching, feedback and guidance. Performance, progress and outputs are reviewed regularly to support development. Standard office‑based environment. Hybrid working arrangements may apply in line with company policy. Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required. Working hours may occasionally exceed normal schedules to meet business requirements.

Physical Demands

Low risk of injury. Role involves prolonged periods of sitting, keyboard use and computer‑based work. May involve periods of standing and movement around office facilities. Flexible breaks are available in accordance with company policy.

Key Performance Indicators (Indicative)

• Purchase orders processed accurately and within agreed timelines.
• Supplier quotations obtained and recorded within required timescales.
• Procurement records maintained accurately and compliantly.
• Timely resolution or escalation of invoice discrepancies.
• Positive feedback from internal stakeholders.
• Compliance with procurement procedures and policies.
• Contribution to procurement process improvement initiatives.
• Successful completion of development and training objectives.

Company Values

• Service – Delivering excellent support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Trust – Acting with integrity, transparency and accountability.
• Excellence – Striving for high standards and continuous improvement.
• Agility – Responding positively to change and business needs.
• Dedication – Demonstrating commitment and professionalism.
• You – Valuing people, collaboration, diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• College Diploma or Certificate in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance or a related discipline.
• Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement or a related field.
• Up to two years of relevant procurement, purchasing, administration or business support experience.
• Exposure to procurement systems or ERP platforms.

Additional Information

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this specification are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties that are reasonable and consistent with the scope, purpose and grading of the role. This job specification should be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains an accurate reflection of business requirements. We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace.