At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and purchase parts while building strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, health cash plan, and competitive bonuses.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for learning and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the aerospace industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer and knowledge of MRP systems required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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. This post will be a fixed term contract to cover maternity for a timeframe of 9-12 months.
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 supplier 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.
- Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company procedures.
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance).
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service).
- 37.5 hours per week.
- Health cash plan.
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice.
- Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy.
- Women in Business - Corporate Member.
- Service Awards.
- Local charity / sponsorship activities.
- Dedicated employee parking.
- Discounted Gym membership.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Previous experience in a Buyer role.
- Previous experience liaising with suppliers.
- Knowledge of MRP systems.
- Educated to GCSE Level, Grades A*-C, or equivalent (including Maths & English).
- Problem solving and decision making.
- Resilience.
- Accountability & responsibility.
- Customer focused (internal and external).
- 3+ years’ experience of a Buyer role in an Engineering or Aerospace company.
- HND/ILM Third level qualification in a supply chain related discipline.
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting. Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer. The closing date for applications is the 31st May 2026 at 17:00.
Buyer in Craigavon employer: Thompson Aero
Thompson Aero Seating is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With competitive benefits such as an annual bonus, generous leave, and various salary sacrifice schemes, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a dynamic aerospace environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in supply chain or procurement. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Show us you know their business inside out and how you can contribute to building those strong relationships they value so much.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience with suppliers and MRP systems, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements in your previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention your problem-solving skills and how you've built strong relationships with suppliers in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, be sure to highlight your 3+ years of experience in a Buyer role, especially in Engineering or Aerospace. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make that experience pop!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of everything. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, do your homework on the suppliers relevant to the role. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, and be ready to discuss how you can build strong relationships with them. This shows that you're proactive and serious about the position.
✨Master the MRP Systems
Since knowledge of MRP systems is crucial for this role, brush up on your understanding of how they work. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences using these systems and how you've managed inventory levels effectively in the past.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific examples where you've successfully solved problems in a buying context. Whether it was dealing with supplier issues or managing inventory challenges, having concrete examples will demonstrate your resilience and accountability.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to discuss how you would handle communication in various scenarios.
