At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and purchase parts while building strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Thompson Aero Seating, a leader in the aerospace industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible hours, and health plans.
- Other info: Opportunities for learning, development, and career progression.
- Why this job: Make an impact in supply chain management and grow your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer and strong IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Portadown, Craigavon, United Kingdom
Earnings: Salary discussed on application
The post holder will be responsible for planning, organising, scheduling, and purchasing a portfolio of parts from approved suppliers in accordance with established procedures to ensure consistency of supply whilst managing inventory levels. Build strong collaborative relationships with specified suppliers and deliver consistent performances on delivery and quality.
Hours of work: Mon-Thurs 07:30-16:00 & Fri 07:30-13:30.
Responsibilities
- Build and develop strong long-lasting collaborative relationships with the suppliers
- Implement proactive approach and effective communication with the key internal stakeholders
- Organise and schedule parts and materials from a global supply chain to ensure all customer demand is satisfied in accordance with the required business delivery plan
- Communicate planning schedules through effective and efficient order book management with assigned suppliers in line with agreed procedures
- Expedite purchased parts as and when required to support production requirements
- Liaise with Quality department to ensure supplier rejections are promptly dealt with
- Manage goods sent out for rework through agreed company process
- Maintain daily and weekly key performance indicators against assigned suppliers and MRP system
- Monitor performance of the suppliers and escalate promptly and accordingly any non-conformances to the material planning team lead
- Liaise with Category managers to ensure suppliers cancellations are actioned and closed accordingly and performance communicated
- Hold regular review meetings with suppliers within own area of responsibility to ensure alignment
- Carry out any other tasks necessary for the smooth running of the operational purchasing department
- Support the team by stepping in when required to address ad hoc or higher demand in other categories/areas
Reward
- Competitive salary
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
- 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
- Cyle to Work Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
- Women in Business - Corporate Member
- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Employee Recognition scheme
- Service Awards
- Local charity / sponsorship activities
- Dedicated employee parking
- Discounted Gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career progression
Requirements
Essential
- Previous experience in a Buyer role
- Previous experience liaising with suppliers
- Knowledge of MRP systems
- Excellent IT Skills
- Educated to GCSE Level, Grades A*-C, or equivalent (including Maths & English)
- Problem solving and decision making
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Resilience
- Accountability & responsibility
- Customer focused (internal and external)
Desirable
- HND/ILM Third level qualification in a supply chain related discipline
Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer. The closing date for applications is the 26th July 2026 at 17:00.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer JBLE1_NI in Craigavon
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Thompson Aero Seating Ltd.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer JBLE1_NI in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Thompson Aero Seating Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Thompson Aero Seating Ltd. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Thompson Aero Seating Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Thompson Aero Seating Ltd!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Thompson Aero Seating Ltd. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Thompson Aero Seating Ltd's culture.
