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- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategies and enhance supplier performance in a global aerospace business.
- Company: Join Safran, a top player in aviation and defence, committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global impact, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace while driving cost competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in international organisations and expertise in strategic sourcing.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation, defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024.
This is a unique opportunity to set and drive the purchasing and supplier performance vision for an international aerospace business at the forefront of innovation. You will shape strategies that enhance cost competitiveness, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure full alignment with Safran Group's global ambitions.
In this highly visible leadership position, you will build and nurture an agile, high performing global supplier network capable of supporting both today’s operational needs and tomorrow’s breakthrough aerospace programs. Your leadership will directly influence the long term success, sustainability, and technological advancement of the Actuation Systems GBU.
You will also steward the governance and processes of the end to end Supply Chain across our global Actuation sites, driving seamless collaboration between local Supply Chain teams and the Purchasing & Supplier Performance organisations.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Define and deploy the Actuation Systems GBU purchasing strategy in coordination with Safran Electronics & Defense and Safran Group central purchasing organisations
- Control supplier cost evolution through sourcing strategies, resourcing decisions, supplier diversification, and vertical integration initiatives
- Develop and manage a portfolio of strategic suppliers to support operational performance and next-generation aerospace programs
- Set, monitor, and drive supplier performance objectives across quality, cost, delivery, innovation, and compliance
- Anticipate supplier-related risks and lead mitigation and recovery plans
- Apply Safran Group escalation and governance processes for underperforming suppliers
- Lead supplier development initiatives, including deployment of the Aero Excellence framework and supplier capability assessments
- Maintain and enhance standardised processes for end-to-end Supply Chain management, including Sales, Inventory, Operational Planning and Procurement functions based locally in the Actuation plants.
- Lead and develop global purchasing and supplier performance teams across multiple international sites
- Act as a key interface with internal stakeholders including operations, engineering, quality, finance, and program management
- Promote a performance-driven culture aligned with Safran leadership principles
What will you bring to the role? Essential skills:
- Proven leadership experience in international, matrix organisations
- Excellent expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and partnership development
- Demonstrated capability in supplier performance management and industrial development
Desirable skills:
- Extensive experience in industrial purchasing within the aerospace and/or defence sectors
- Strategic, analytical, and results-oriented leadership style
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- A forward looking leader who is results driven, collaborative, and highly resilient.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage, align, and motivate cross functional teams.
- A mindset centered on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Fluent in English; French language capability is an advantage
Purchasing & Supplier Performance Director in Wolverhampton employer: Safran Actuation Systems
Contact Detail:
Safran Actuation Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Supplier Performance Director in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and defence sectors on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran's latest projects and innovations. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of a sustainable world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the purchasing and supplier performance goals at Safran. We want to hear how you can drive cost competitiveness and supplier excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Safran team.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Supplier Performance Director in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing & Supplier Performance Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and expertise in strategic sourcing, as these are key for us at Safran. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for the aerospace industry and how your skills align with our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable world. Don't forget to mention your experience in managing supplier performance!
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to include quantifiable achievements. Whether it's cost savings from supplier negotiations or improvements in supply chain resilience, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Actuation Systems
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Safran's mission and values. Understand their role in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially how they contribute to sustainability and innovation. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their core objectives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in international, matrix organisations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed supplier performance and driven strategic sourcing initiatives in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding supplier-related risks. Think of specific situations where you've had to anticipate issues and implement effective mitigation strategies.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, focusing on your strategic, analytical, and results-oriented approach. Remember, strong communication is key in this role, so demonstrate your ability to engage and motivate cross-functional teams during the interview.