At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and procurement for aircraft components while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Dynamic aviation business with a global presence and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to shape the purchasing function.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aviation sector and develop your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience in aviation and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
If you think you are the right match for the following opportunity, apply after reading the complete description.
Location: Oxford Airport
Hours: Full-time 08:00–16:30
Salary: £50,000–£60,000 per annum
Role Purpose
As the Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager you will take ownership of the sourcing, negotiation, procurement and supply-chain activities for aircraft components, spares and associated materials. You will build and manage supplier relationships (including new supplier onboarding), oversee order expediting and ensure that inventory and purchasing strategies align with operational readiness and cost control.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and qualify new suppliers of aircraft components, parts and materials (including OEMs, distributors and authorised channels)
- Manage supplier evaluation, onboarding and performance review processes
- Negotiate terms, contracts, pricing, lead-times and service levels
- Place purchase orders, monitor status, expedite when required, resolve delays/issues
- Work closely with engineering, MRO/maintenance, operations and finance/inventory teams to ensure parts availability, timely delivery and cost-effective procurement
- Prepare regular reports and dashboards (e.g., spend analysis, supplier performance, lead-time tracking, savings achieved)
- Develop and maintain purchasing policies, procedures and best practice (ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, quality standards, traceability etc.)
- Support forecasting and inventory planning: ensuring minimum stock levels, review of slow-moving items, and alignment with business demand
- Provide out-of-hours/stand-by support on a rotating basis for urgent procurement issues
- Mentor and collaborate with junior team members in the purchasing function (if applicable)
Requirements & Experience
- Extensive procurement/sourcing experience within the aviation sector (aircraft components/spares)
- Proven track record in supplier sourcing and management, contract negotiation, cost control and supply-chain optimisation
- Strong understanding of aviation regulatory/quality requirements (for example OEM requirements, traceability, part-qualification, vendor non-conformance)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (to build supplier relationships and collaborate across internal teams)
- High level of analytical ability and comfort with data and reporting (MS Excel, ERP/MRP systems)
- Good organisation and prioritisation skills — able to handle competing demands and urgent issues in a dynamic aviation environment
- Able to work flexibly (evenings/week-end stand-by when required)
- Ideally degree qualified or equivalent in business/engineering/supply chain discipline (or demonstrable equivalent experience)
What We Offer
- Competitive salary £50k-£60k
- Dynamic and growing aviation business with global reach
- Opportunity to shape and develop the purchasing/supply-chain function
- Collaborative team environment with real impact
- Training/development opportunities
Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager in Oxford employer: Red Sky Personnel Ltd
At our dynamic and growing aviation business located at Oxford Airport, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager, you will not only enjoy a competitive salary but also have the opportunity to shape and develop our purchasing function while working in a supportive team environment. We are committed to your professional growth, offering training and development opportunities that empower you to excel in your role and make a real impact within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at aviation events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. We suggest practising common scenarios you might face in procurement. Show them you can handle the pressure and get the best deals!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company! Knowing their suppliers, products, and market position can give you an edge. We want you to walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience in the aviation sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in supplier management and negotiation.
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. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around sourcing and managing suppliers.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role requires a high level of analytical ability, don’t forget to mention your comfort with data and reporting. Include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Sky Personnel Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of aircraft components and the aviation sector. Familiarise yourself with key suppliers, industry trends, and regulatory requirements. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier terms. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiation and how you handle conflicts. This is crucial for a Senior Buyer role, so make it count!
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, be prepared to talk about your experience with MS Excel and any ERP/MRP systems you've used. Bring along examples of reports or dashboards you've created to showcase your analytical skills.
✨Build Rapport
Interpersonal skills are key in this role, so practice how you'll build relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Think of ways to demonstrate your communication style and how you collaborate effectively. A friendly, approachable attitude can go a long way!
