At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships in a global defence organisation.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a globally recognised leader in defence procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and a supportive professional environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make an impact on complex procurement projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join the Indirect Procurement Services team at BAE Systems. This is an exciting opportunity to support strategic sourcing and category management activities across key CAPEX and indirect procurement projects within a global defence organisation.
The Role
- Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will play a key role in delivering procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships and supporting procurement excellence across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of sourcing and category strategies
- Manage RFQ/tender processes and supplier negotiations
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
- Drive value through effective category, risk and opportunity management
- Support procurement pipeline visibility and compliance activities
- Identify and implement process improvements and best practice initiatives
About You:
- Proven procurement experience within indirect procurement or category management
- Strong experience managing RFQ/tender processes and supplier negotiations
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
- Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving capability
- Experience delivering cost-effective sourcing strategies and supplier performance management
Desirable Experience
- Procuring Plant & Equipment and/or minor construction projects
- CIPS Level 5 qualification (or working towards)
- Experience leading or mentoring team members
Why Join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative and globally recognised organisation, working on complex procurement activities within a highly professional and supportive environment.
Please note: Due to the nature of the work, successful applicants will be required to meet BPSS/security clearance requirements.
Senior Buyer in Milton employer: Outsource UK
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With a focus on strategic sourcing within the defence sector, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive pay, and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that drive innovation and excellence. Join us at our Scotstoun location to be part of a globally recognised team dedicated to making a difference in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Milton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BAE Systems and their procurement strategies. Show us that you understand their needs and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. Role-play scenarios with a friend to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Milton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in indirect procurement and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match 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 the perfect fit for our team at BAE Systems. Share specific examples of your procurement successes and how you can contribute to our goals.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since building relationships is key in this role, make sure to highlight your stakeholder engagement experience. We love seeing how you've managed relationships with suppliers and internal teams in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outsource UK
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of indirect procurement and category management. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past, especially around RFQ processes and supplier negotiations. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have real-world experience.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
BAE Systems values strong relationships, so prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Think about times when your relationship management led to better outcomes or smoother processes.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Prowess
Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you would handle a challenging supplier negotiation or a procurement issue. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving capabilities.
✨Highlight Process Improvements
Think of instances where you've identified and implemented process improvements in your previous roles. Discussing these experiences will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to procurement excellence, which is key for the role at BAE Systems.
