Buyer

Thompson Aero Seating; Portadown; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

33 days annual leave

Flexi time working

Employee referral bonus

Health cash plan

Contributory Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work

Wellbeing Initiatives

Career progression

Job summary

Thompson Aero Seating in Portadown, United Kingdom, is seeking a proactive Buyer to plan, organise and purchase parts from approved suppliers within a robust MRP-driven environment. You will build strong supplier relationships and ensure on-time delivery and quality to meet production demands.

The role requires prior buyer experience, knowledge of MRP systems, and solid IT skills. You will work with internal teams to optimise inventory and support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Essential: Previous experience in a Buyer role.
• Essential: Liaising with suppliers.
• Essential: Knowledge of MRP systems.
• Essential: Excellent IT Skills.
• Essential: GCSE Level education (Maths & English).
• Desirable: 3+ years in engineering/aerospace purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, schedule and purchase parts from approved suppliers.
• Build and develop long-lasting supplier relationships.
• Ensure deliveries meet production demand and quality requirements.
• Manage supplier performance and escalate issues as needed.
• Support the operations purchasing function and cover other categories when required.

Skills

Buyer experience

Supplier liaison

MRP systems

IT skills

GCSE maths & english

Education

GCSE Level education

Tools

ERP software

Job description

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 indictors against assigned suppliers and MRP system
• Monitor performance of the suppliers and expedite 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/arrears
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company procedures

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 - 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

• 3+ years’ experience of /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 18th October 2026 at 17:00.