At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage new programs and build relationships with suppliers in the aerospace industry.
- Company: Join Safran Electrical & Power, a leader in innovative aviation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 8% bonus, 33 days holiday, and enhanced family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of the future of aviation and help decarbonise flight.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and technical background preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Safran Electrical & Power, we recognise that aviation needs to innovate and change in order to protect our environment. We believe that future aircraft power systems will be hybrid‑electric or full‑electric, which is why we are working to develop and deliver advanced electrical solutions to help decarbonise flight. If you want to help deliver this future, we are looking for enthusiastic and creative people to join our team. The UK Safran Electrical & Power team has expertise in designing and developing electrical systems comprising generators, power conversion, distribution and control, with developing expertise in electric motors for aircraft propulsion.
The Role
- As a New Program Buyer at Safran Electrical & Power you will manage and coordinate new programs and projects for Safran, whilst building positive relationships with vendors and suppliers, securing the best quality programs in the aerospace industry.
- You will manage and align core commodity strategies, greatly contributing to supplier selection and the development of future product roadmaps to ensure high quality output for ongoing and future programs.
- You will work closely with the engineering team to ensure design evolutions and developments correspond with manufacturing lead times.
- Manage and facilitate all sourcing activity, aligning core commodity strategies with supplier selection.
- Coordinate and manage new programs at the site, building robust and solid relationships with high quality vendors and suppliers.
- Ensure design evolutions synchronise from initial concept through to new product introduction phases.
- Work with Supplier Account Manager and Commodity Manager to negotiate prices, terms, conditions and agreements.
- Follow a robust design‑to‑cost methodology, challenging design requirements to ensure they correspond with program and product roadmaps.
- Escalate, when appropriate, any significant issues that require management intervention or awareness.
- Work with suppliers to resolve any issues impacting performance, such as quality discrepancies.
- Coordinate with the purchasing teams and vendors to enable robust and efficient supply chains.
- Report and present program reviews to various stakeholders.
Desirable Experience
- Minimum 5 years of purchasing/sourcing experience within a manufacturing environment (Aerospace sector experience is desirable but not mandatory).
- Technical background. Able to understand Engineering drawings and requirements. Engineering degree a plus.
- Proven ability to lead cross‑functional sourcing projects, manage supplier performance, and drive cost reduction initiatives.
- Demonstrated project management knowledge or experience, including budget tracking, risk management, and milestone reporting.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills, with a track record of supplier engagement and contract management.
- Comfortable making autonomous decisions related to supply, cost, and terms without supervision.
- Experience working in low‑volume, high‑complexity environments is highly preferable.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, able to work across engineering, design, and manufacturing functions.
- Strong analytical and organisational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to think strategically, contribute to the development of purchasing strategies, and align sourcing decisions with long‑term program and business objectives.
- Proficient in MRP systems (SAP) and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint); experience with BOM and planning parameters is a plus.
- High motivation to learn and perform in a prototype‑driven environment to a high‑pace manufacturing ramp up.
- Excellent communication skills. Evidence of written and speaking English proficiency required (certification or SHL test).
- Demonstrates versatility in working across different cultures and time zones.
New Program (NPI) Buyer - 12 month FTC employer: Safran companies
At Safran Electrical & Power, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Pitstone, Tring, where innovation meets sustainability. Our employees enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including an 8% bonus, enhanced family-friendly policies, and a strong focus on wellbeing, all while contributing to the future of aviation through cutting-edge electrical solutions. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a supportive culture that values collaboration and creativity, joining our team means being part of a mission to decarbonise flight and shape the future of aerospace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Program (NPI) Buyer - 12 month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace industry, especially those who work at Safran or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by researching the latest trends in aviation and electrical systems. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the future of aerospace innovation!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a New Program Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team at Safran Electrical & Power.
We think you need these skills to ace New Program (NPI) Buyer - 12 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the New Program Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in purchasing and sourcing, especially in manufacturing or aerospace. 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 great fit. Don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for innovation in aviation – it’s a big deal for us!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your analytical and negotiation skills. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage supplier relationships and drive cost reductions. Use specific examples to back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Safran Electrical & Power!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran companies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of purchasing and sourcing, especially in the aerospace sector. Familiarise yourself with key terms like NPI, supply chain management, and design-to-cost methodologies. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the industry.
✨Build Relationships
Since relationship building is crucial for this role, think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built rapport with vendors or suppliers. Be ready to discuss how you can apply those skills at Safran Electrical & Power.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities during the interview. Bring examples of how you've used data visualisation and reporting in previous roles to drive decisions. This could be a great way to highlight your fit for managing supplier performance and cost reduction initiatives.
✨Practice Your Negotiation Techniques
Negotiation is key for a New Program Buyer. Think of scenarios where you've successfully negotiated terms or prices. Be prepared to discuss your approach and how you can bring that expertise to Safran, ensuring the best quality programs in the aerospace industry.