Strategic Buyer

I am seeking a Strategic Buyer to join a leading aerospace manufacturing facility based near Heathrow Airport.
This key operational role is responsible for the strategic sourcing of services and materials, from market analysis and supplier selection through contract negotiation and supplier performance management.
You will work closely with internal stakeholders, Legal and Compliance to secure commercially effective, compliant and sustainable agreements that support operational requirements.
NOTE - all applicants must hold the unrestricted right to live & work in the UK.
No sponsorships can be provided now or in the future.
Role: Strategic Buyer
Location: Hayes, West London
Hours: Full-time Mon-Fri. Office hours.
Salary: 47K - 56K
Main responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned service and material categories, based on business requirements, market conditions, risk and total cost.
• Lead requests for quotation and supplier selection activities, ensuring decisions are transparent, objective and appropriately documented.
• Negotiate complex commercial contracts, including pricing, payment terms, service levels, liability, warranties, intellectual property, confidentiality, termination and renewal provisions.
• Work closely with the Legal department on contract drafting, review and approval, and ensure that commercial positions and risks are clearly understood by stakeholders.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable legislation, internal policies, delegated authorities, ethical standards, sanctions and export control requirements, data protection obligations and other relevant compliance requirements.
• Identify, assess and mitigate commercial, contractual, supply chain and supplier risks, escalating material issues where required.
• Conduct supplier and market research, benchmarking and cost analysis to identify savings, cost avoidance, resilience and value improvement opportunities.
• Build effective relationships with demand owners, Finance, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Information Security and other internal functions.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including business reviews, corrective actions, claims, changes and contract renewals.
• Visit and host current and prospective suppliers for negotiations, assessments, reviews and relationship management.
• Provide cover for Operative Buyers during periods of absence or increased workload, including the creation and management of purchase orders, expediting activities and supplier coordination as required.
• Maintain complete and audit-ready sourcing and contract records, and provide clear updates on progress, risks, decisions and agreed actions.
• Work independently, prioritise competing requirements and take ownership of activities through to completion

Education & Qualification

• Degree or recognised professional qualification in procurement, supply chain management, business, law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification or progress towards CIPS membership is desirable.

Ideal candidate profile

• Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management.
• Proven track record in negotiating commercial contracts and supplier agreements.
• Good legal and contractual understanding, including working closely with Legal departments.
• Strong knowledge of procurement compliance and corporate governance.
• Experience managing both services and materials procurement categories.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical thinking, and negotiation skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, forecasting, and dashboard creation.
• Strong PowerPoint skills for executive presentations, business cases, supplier reviews, and strategy updates.
• Practical experience using AI tools and digital technologies to improve procurement processes, reporting, and decision-making.
• Experience conducting supplier assessments and managing supplier performance.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Aviation or aerospace procurement experience is desirable.
• Understanding of information security principles; ISO 27001 awareness is advantageous.

Other

• Regular supplier visits and occasional business travel might be required.

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