At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive material readiness for key aerospace programmes and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and space.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, training opportunities, and a personalised career plan.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative aerospace projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Programme Purchaser – Safran Seats - Cwmbran (South Wales) Site Based
At Safran, excellence is a journey – and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future.
Why work at Safran
- A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
- Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger.
- Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities.
- A culture of excellence: join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
About the role
As a Programme Purchaser, you'll play a central role in driving material readiness for key programme milestones, ensuring the right parts are sourced, ordered, and delivered on time to support development, testing, and certification phases. You'll collaborate closely with engineering and programme teams, transforming requirements into clear purchasing actions while managing suppliers, RFP/Q processes, and purchase orders. Your work will directly influence programme success by maintaining accurate purchasing health reports, tracking costs against budget targets, and resolving material issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Keep track and report all purchased material needs across development, testing, and PDR/CDR stages, keeping everything on schedule.
- Run RFP/RFQ activities, review supplier quotes, and support choosing the right partners using engineering and programme data.
- Raise purchase orders through MRP and work closely with suppliers to ensure materials arrive on time, in full, and to the quality expected.
- Tackle any material or invoice issues to keep the programme moving and maintain strong performance against KPIs.
- Keep the team informed by creating clear purchasing health reports and dashboards for IPT and leadership reviews.
- Keep costs on track by monitoring spend against budgets, spotting cost avoidance opportunities, and managing approvals for long‑lead items.
- Oversee programme inventory, from tracking and disposition to arranging transport or airfreight when required.
What you'll bring
Knowledge, Experience, Training and Qualifications
- Essential: Previous experience in purchasing or buying.
- Desirable: Experience working MRP (Material Requirements Planning) and ERP tools (Baan ideally).
Competencies, Behaviours and Skills
- Essential: Strong communication skills, resilience and confidence when dealing with stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven problem‑solving skills with a proactive, solution‑focused mindset.
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
Project Buyer in Cwmbran employer: Safran companies
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Cwmbran, South Wales. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our robust training programmes and personalised career plans, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to innovative projects in the aerospace sector. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values integrity and excellence, where your contributions directly impact the future of aerospace and defence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Buyer in Cwmbran
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially those at Safran. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran's projects and values. Show us how your skills align with their mission to decarbonise aerospace and drive innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've tackled challenges, as this role is all about keeping projects on track.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're serious about joining the Safran team.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Buyer in Cwmbran
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Project Buyer role. Highlight any previous purchasing experience and relevant tools you've used, like MRP or ERP systems. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the aerospace industry and how your background aligns with our mission at Safran. Let us know what excites you about this role and how you can contribute to our success.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate resilience and a proactive mindset, especially when dealing with stakeholders or resolving material issues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be part of our journey towards excellence right from the start. Don’t hesitate – we’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran companies
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Safran's mission and values. Understand their focus on innovation and sustainability in aerospace. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous purchasing experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or tackled material issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role involves MRP and ERP tools, brush up on your knowledge of these systems. Be prepared to discuss how you've used them in past roles and how they can benefit Safran's operations. This shows you're not just a fit for the role but also proactive about contributing to their success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the team dynamics, how they measure success in the role, or what challenges they foresee in upcoming projects. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
