At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategies and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Join Safran Seats, a global leader in aircraft seating solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a team crafting the future of flight with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced manufacturing and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world. In the UK, Safran Seats specialises solely in the First Class and Business Class seating markets for wide body aircraft, with industrial and engineering teams in Cwmbran, Wales.
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you—both in and out of work, including:
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and annual bonus and pay review
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell)
- Strong Pension scheme and life assurance
- Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
- Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
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 where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.
Your Role
As Senior Buyer, you'll take ownership of the creation & updating of the multi–Business Unit Target Purchasing Strategy. You'll be (or become) a Technical specialist for the relevant Commodity; managing and executing cross functional high complexity (typically £10M+) transfers of work.
Key responsibilities:
- Issue and monitor RFP/Q's to strategic suppliers using available engineering data
- Lead a group of designated buyers across the purchasing function
- Review and selection of suppliers based on proposals/quotations received
- Setup supplier data within the business ERP system. Using MRP data to raise necessary PO, and work with a predetermined number of suppliers to ensure that materials ordered are delivered on time in full
- Develop partnerships and relationships with suppliers
- Manage large scale purchasing projects such as industrialisation of new products
- Ensure OTIF from supply base meets the MRP requirements
- Ensure all KPI's are reported and updated in accordance with requirements
- Support Program/Business Sectors to effectively satisfy all requirements
- Organise the placement of purchase orders to fulfil the MRP requirements on both individual and team accounts.
What You'll Bring
- Significant buying experience within a fast-paced manufacturing environment (ideally aerospace, automotive, or defence)
- Proven ability to own and manage end to end RFQ/P processes
- Strategic sourcing experience, with a focus on cost, quality, and optimised delivery
- Excellent stakeholder management experience (internal and external)
- Ability to extract and present data/KPIs to make informed, data driven decisions
- Demonstrable supplier development and performance management
- Team leadership/management experience (desirable)
If you're ready to take your career to new heights and be part of a company that's crafting the future of flight, apply today.
Why 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. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
- Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
- A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.
- Get involved: We also have a number of groups and forums across our sites that you can get involved with, including Women at Safran, Diversity at Safran, Sports Clubs, STEM ambassadors, Employee Forum, Charity Partnerships and Wellbeing Programs.
Company Information
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), 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, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Senior Buyer in Cwmbran employer: Safran companies
At Safran Seats in Cwmbran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of our employees. With a strong focus on professional growth, competitive benefits including flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive work culture that celebrates diversity and innovation, we empower our team to excel in their careers while contributing to the future of aerospace. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions can soar.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Cwmbran
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Safran or similar companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran's values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of crafting excellence together. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your strategic sourcing skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you’ve successfully managed RFQ processes or improved supplier relationships. Use data to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes in the purchasing world!
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the Safran team. Keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Cwmbran
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in purchasing, especially in fast-paced environments like aerospace or automotive. We want to see how your skills align with 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 passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that showcase your buying expertise.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since data-driven decisions are key in this role, make sure to highlight your ability to extract and present data effectively. Share examples of how you've used KPIs to influence purchasing decisions in the past – we love seeing those numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Safran team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran companies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the aerospace industry, especially in relation to purchasing and supply chain management. Understand the specific challenges and trends in the sector, as well as Safran's position within it. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company and its mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your significant buying experience in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed end-to-end RFQ/P processes and any strategic sourcing initiatives you've led. Use data and KPIs to back up your achievements, as this aligns with the role's focus on data-driven decision-making.
✨Build Rapport
Stakeholder management is key for a Senior Buyer. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to build relationships by discussing past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with suppliers and internal teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle conflicts or challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Safran's purchasing strategies, supplier partnerships, and future projects. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture and values align with your own. It’s a two-way street!
