At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing activities and manage supplier performance in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing aerospace and defence firm with exciting projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values proactive problem-solving and innovation.
- Why this job: Take ownership of supplier relationships and drive real change in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or procurement within manufacturing or engineering.
Backed by significant new investment from a US aerospace and defence private equity firm, they're pushing hard into A&D alongside an already strong project base spanning motorsport, medical and energy. The order book is growing, the defence pipeline is building fast, and the procurement function needs to grow with it.
They need a Senior Buyer who will take real ownership of suppliers, performance, and outcomes. Someone who can walk into a supplier conversation, challenge a late delivery without apology, and drive the kind of consistent weekly cadence that stops small problems becoming big ones.
You'll be the operational lead in the purchasing function, taking end-to-end ownership of a mixed portfolio of commodities and suppliers across composites, metallics, and subcontract services. The team has solid transactional foundations; what's needed now is someone to bring sharper supplier-facing discipline and the kind of proactive thinking that gets ahead of issues before they land on someone else's desk.
- Leading purchasing activity across your assigned supplier and commodity portfolio from start to finish
- Managing supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness, including the difficult conversations when things slip
- Negotiating pricing and commercial terms rather than accepting historic positions at face value
- Supporting NPI and engineering teams with procurement requirements as new products come through
- Keeping SAP data accurate, including pricing, lead times, supplier information, and purchasing parameters
- Mixed commodity portfolio, composites and metallics, with composites increasingly prominent as defence work grows
- Cross-functional stakeholders across Planning, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Finance
- A supply base that needs active management, not passive monitoring
Solid purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment is required. A track record of owning supplier relationships end to end, not just raising POs but genuinely managing performance is essential. Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems, with SAP experience being desirable. Exposure to composites, metallics, or subcontract services is useful but not essential. Asks for help before problems grow, not after.
At 6 months, you're driving material flow, reducing avoidable escalations, and demonstrating stronger negotiation discipline on repeat buys.
Buyer / Senior Buyer / Procurement employer: NEUTRA
Join a leading precision motorsport and aerospace component supplier in Oxon, where we prioritise employee growth and development. With competitive pay rates of £15-17/hr and a supportive work culture that offers training for both new entrants and experienced professionals, you'll thrive in an environment that values skill enhancement and teamwork. Enjoy a structured weekday shift pattern with no night shifts, allowing for a balanced work-life experience while contributing to cutting-edge projects in the motorsport and defence sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Senior Buyer / Procurement
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like NEUTRA.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer / Senior Buyer / Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to NEUTRA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to NEUTRA. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like NEUTRA.
How to prepare for a job interview at NEUTRA
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at NEUTRA!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at NEUTRA. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into NEUTRA's culture.
