Buyer - Contractor

Buyer - Contractor

Temporary 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support purchasing of electronic components for spacecraft systems and manage supplier relationships.
  • Company: Join a leading aerospace company with a focus on innovation and quality.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with potential for career advancement.
  • Why this job: Be part of exciting aerospace projects and make a real impact in the industry.
  • Qualifications: Previous purchasing experience is essential; aerospace experience is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Buyer – 6 -12 month contract. This role sits inside IR35.

Key Purpose of Job

To provide support for the purchasing of electronic components, bespoke electro-mechanical components, and consumables for spacecraft systems and sub-systems.

Key Tasks

  • Interpreting MRP results, placing, and administering purchase orders for demand or allocating free stock to project requirements.
  • Negotiating price and delivery to meet demand, via MRP results and/or purchase requisitions.
  • Actively engaging and managing suppliers and contractors including supplier selection, auditing, evaluation of supplier performance and compliance.
  • Ensuring that goods and services are delivered in accordance with the order instructions and that an efficient service is provided to the end user.
  • Ensuring that all procurement activity and tender requirements are in accordance with the company’s regulations.
  • Encouraging and influencing to ensure areas of spend, direct and indirect are channelled through Procurement.
  • Other activities as delegated by Senior Buyers and/or Head of Procurement.
  • Liaising with stakeholders, as and when necessary.
  • Attending core team meetings to report progress/status.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

CIPS member/associate would be preferred but not essential.

Experience

Previous purchasing experience essential. Experience in aerospace would be beneficial, however any experience in a high value and low volume environment would also be acceptable. Good understanding of MRP/ERP system would be a distinct advantage, although not essential as training will be provided.

Knowledge & Skills

  • Organised, accurate and an attention to detail is essential.
  • Pragmatic and results oriented behaviour.
  • Good interpersonal skill; able to communicate at all levels across the business coupled with excellent negotiation skills.
  • Able to resolve conflicting priorities and demands.
  • Able to work within a pressurised environment.
  • Pro-active and flexible with a can-do attitude.
  • Computer literate, with good MS Office skills.
  • A good understanding of Terms and Conditions.
  • Knowledge of preparing tenders.
  • Ability to meet targets and deadlines.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management.

Location

Based in Guildford with occasional travel to Bordon when required.

Buyer - Contractor employer: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

As a Buyer for our aerospace procurement team, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values precision and innovation. Our Guildford location offers a collaborative culture where your contributions directly impact the success of cutting-edge spacecraft systems. We prioritise employee growth through training opportunities and encourage a proactive approach to problem-solving, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the aerospace sector.
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

Contact Detail:

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Buyer - Contractor

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know in the aerospace and procurement sectors, the better your chances of landing that Buyer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your previous purchasing experience aligns with their needs, especially in high-value environments. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it makes tracking your application a breeze!

We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Contractor

Purchasing Experience
MRP/ERP System Knowledge
Supplier Management
Negotiation Skills
Attention to Detail
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Flexibility
Computer Literacy
MS Office Skills
Understanding of Terms and Conditions
Supply Chain Management Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous purchasing experience and any relevant knowledge of MRP/ERP systems. We want to see how you fit into our world!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Buyer role. Mention your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed suppliers in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In procurement, accuracy is key. When filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure everything is spot on, just like we do in our work!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electronic components and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with MRP/ERP systems, even if you haven't used them before. This will show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.

✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled successfully. Think about how you managed supplier relationships and resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with suppliers and contractors, which is crucial for this role.

✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented

During the interview, highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail. You might want to share specific instances where these traits helped you meet tight deadlines or manage multiple priorities. This will resonate well with their need for someone who can thrive in a pressurised environment.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Discuss your experience liaising with different stakeholders. Be ready to talk about how you’ve communicated across various levels of a business and how you’ve influenced decisions. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and your ability to work collaboratively within a team.

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