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- Tasks: Manage critical supplier relationships and lead complex sourcing projects.
- Company: Thompson Aero Seating is a leader in innovative seating solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible working, and extensive leave.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving sustainable sourcing and impactful business transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Equal Opportunities employer with a focus on career progression and employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The post holder will be responsible for managing the most critical and highest value direct materials within the metallics, machined and sheet metal commodities including supply relationships and sourcing strategies. This includes large and complex sourcing and outsourcing projects through evaluation and execution. Aiding the design of a robust commodity strategy to support the business goals and provding a global category focal point for the business.
Responsibilities
- Manage the outsourced spend for metallics, machined components, and sheet metal categories
- Build and maintain scalable and critical supplier relationships within precision machining and fabricated metals
- Deliver significant and sustained cost savings for your category, on an on-going basis
- Build, maintain and evolve Make vs Buy strategies, identifying core in-house vs outsource opportunities with our internal machine shop
- Support product development teams in sourcing strategies for new components
- Conductstrategic sourcing and supplier evaluations; conducting RFPs / tender / commercial negotiation processes
- Manage multiple supplier relationships and projects to balance supply chain competition
- Securea global supply base that meets the organisation’s cost and performance targets
- Drive continuous improvements for the Metallics Category
- Negotiate and implement LTAs and subcontracts
- Develop and maintain expert knowledge of global metal machining and sheet metal supply markets
- Regularly review supplier performance against KPIs such as Material Price Variance, LeadTime, and On-Time Delivery
- Act as escalation point in support of the Material Planning team to ensure component availability for production
- Monitor and address technical manufacturing challenges related to metal components and collaborate with engineering to drive process improvements.
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 – Corportate Member
- 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 of global metal, machining and sheet metal supply
- markets
- Proventrack record of managing strategic sourcing processes and critical supplier relationships
- Experience of leading sourcing evaluation process and outsourcing
- Experience and knowledge of specialist manufacturing processes and related costs / efficiencies with the machining and sheet metal sector
- 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 alloys, steels and some specialised plastics
- 3rd level Qualification, or demonstrable equivalent
- Experience of MS Office suite of applications and ERP based systems
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Strong understanding of metallics manufacturing processes, machining tolerances, and sheet metal fabrication methods
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of latest technologies that position the business to leverage smart, future solutions for Seating
- CIPS qualification
We reserve theright to enhance criteria on shortlisting.
Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.
The closing date for applications is the 30th November 2025 at 17:00.
For further infomation contact careers@thompsonaero.com
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Category Buyer employer: Thompson Aero
Contact Detail:
Thompson Aero 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 aerospace industry. Understanding the specific materials and technologies relevant to Thompson Aero Seating will give you an edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past successes in managing supplier relationships. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver cost savings and drive sustainable practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Thompson Aero Seating's current projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their business goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your conversation and show how you can contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and strategic sourcing. Emphasise your track record in managing supplier relationships and any specific achievements related to cost savings or project management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Category Buyer role. Mention your understanding of Make vs Buy strategies and your experience with various materials, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your negotiation skills and experience with supplier evaluations. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex sourcing projects and contributed to business transformation initiatives.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with Thompson Aero Seating's values and recent projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero
✨Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing strategic sourcing processes. Highlight specific projects where you successfully negotiated contracts or built strong supplier relationships, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Make vs Buy Decision
Familiarise yourself with the Make vs Buy strategy and be ready to provide examples of how you've applied this in past roles. Discussing your understanding of key cost drivers and how they influence procurement decisions will show your depth of knowledge in this area.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to share specific instances where your negotiation skills led to significant cost savings or improved supplier terms. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will help you stand out.
✨Research Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, especially related to the materials relevant to the position. Being able to discuss these trends and how they could impact the company's strategy will show your proactive approach and industry knowledge.