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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage critical supplier relationships and lead sourcing projects for direct materials.
- Company: Thompson Aero Seating is a forward-thinking company focused on innovative seating solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible working hours, and extensive leave options.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving sustainable sourcing and impactful business transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management; relevant qualifications preferred.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and personal development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The post holder will be responsible for managing the most critical and highest value direct materials sourcing and supply relationships, and large and complex sourcing and outsourcing projects through both evaluation and execution. Aiding the design of a robust Commodity Strategy to support the business goals and providing a global category focal point for the business.
Responsibilities
- Manage the outsourced spend for your specific category.
- Build, maintain and manage scaled & critical strategic supplier relationships.
- Deliver significant and sustained cost savings for your category, on an on-going basis.
- Contribute to the overall Make vs Buy strategy, identifying opportunities and synergies both within the supply chain and current make portfolio.
- Provide strategic leadership to key business transformation and outsourcing projects and leverage strong project and change management skills to manage complex and high value outsourcing and re-sourcing projects.
- Drive sustainable and ethical sourcing practices across the organisation.
- Influencing stakeholders at the highest level within the business unit, suppliers, and customers.
- Conducting strategic sourcing, search, and supplier evaluations; conducting RFPs / tender / commercial negotiation processes.
- Managing multiple supplier relationships and projects to balance supply chain competition.
- Securing a global supply base that meets the organisation's cost and performance targets.
- Drive continuous improvements for the Category / group of commodities.
- Negotiate and implement LTAs and subcontracts.
- Provide insights and recommendations based on analysis, research, industry trends, benchmarking, and best practices.
Reward
- Competitive salary.
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance).
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service).
- 37.5 hours per week.
- Flexi time working.
- £5,000 employee referral bonus.
- Health cash plan.
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice.
- Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary.
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy.
- Women in Business Membership.
- Wellbeing Initiatives.
- Employee Recognition scheme.
- Long Service Awards.
- Local charity / sponsorship activities.
- Dedicated employee parking.
- Discounted Gym membership.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Career progression.
Requirements
- Essential Category Supply Market knowledge gained in a procurement environment.
- Proven track record of managing strategic sourcing processes and critical supplier relationships.
- Experience of leading sourcing evaluation process and outsourcing.
- 3rd level Qualification, or demonstrable equivalent.
- Experience and knowledge of specialist manufacturing processes and related costs / efficiencies.
- Experience of MS Office suite of applications and ERP based systems.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Demonstrable understanding of Make Vs Buy, in relation to assembly / sub assembly / components and related procurement strategic decision making.
- Understanding of key cost drivers that ensure commercial business decisions in partnership with design.
- Experience across a range of materials (can include metals, plastic, composites, electro-mechanicals, electrical components, or non-structures components).
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of latest technologies that position the business to leverage smart, future solutions for Seating.
- CIPS qualification.
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting. Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer. The closing date for applications is the 6th July 2025 at 17:00. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Category Buyer employer: Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
Contact Detail:
Thompson Aero Seating Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and sourcing, especially in the materials relevant to the role. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and supply chain industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the Category Buyer position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered cost savings in previous roles. Having concrete examples ready will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Thompson Aero Seating and their approach to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs can set you apart from other candidates during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Category Buyer position. Highlight your relevant experience in managing strategic sourcing processes and supplier relationships.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your proven track record in procurement, negotiation skills, and any specific materials knowledge that relates to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your background in category supply market knowledge and strategic sourcing can contribute to the company's goals.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver cost savings, manage complex projects, and drive sustainable sourcing practices.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
✨Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with strategic sourcing processes. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered cost savings, as this role heavily focuses on these aspects.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Expertise
Since excellent negotiation skills are essential for this position, come equipped with examples of past negotiations you've led. Discuss the outcomes and how they benefited your previous employers, showcasing your ability to influence stakeholders.
✨Understand the Make vs Buy Decision
Familiarise yourself with the Make vs Buy strategy, as it's a key component of the role. Be ready to explain your understanding of this concept and provide insights into how you've applied it in previous roles to drive procurement decisions.
✨Research Industry Trends and Technologies
Stay updated on the latest technologies and trends in procurement and supply chain management. Being able to discuss how these can be leveraged for future solutions will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
