Buyer (12 month Fixed Term Contract)

General Dynamics UK Limited; Hastings; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm based in Hastings is seeking a detail-oriented Buyer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will be responsible for purchasing goods and services, developing purchasing strategies, and managing supplier relationships. This role offers a salary of £38,560 to £45,000, with a hybrid working model that typically involves three days in the office per week.

Benefits

Compressed nine-day fortnight

Personalized career development plan

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or purchasing roles.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships and evaluate performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Company Description

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV’s. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Buyer for a 12-month fixed-term contract position based in Hastings, United Kingdom. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in our procurement team, ensuring efficient and cost-effective purchasing of goods and services for our organisation.

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to optimise cost savings and improve supplier performance
• Analyse market trends, pricing, and supplier capabilities to make informed purchasing decisions
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure favourable terms and conditions
• Manage supplier relationships and evaluate supplier performance
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand and fulfil their procurement needs
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and relevant regulations
• Prepare and present procurement reports to management
• Continuously seek opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• Proven experience in procurement or purchasing roles
• Proficiency in procurement software (SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
• Experience in supplier management and contract negotiation
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices
• Understanding of market trends and pricing strategies
• Professional certification (CIPS) is desirable but not essential
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

Additional Information

This role has a salary of between £38,560 and £45,000 plus our flexible benefits package.

We are open to this role being spent with time working from home and in the office (hybrid - typically 3 days working in office) on a weekly basis or fully in our offices.

Benefits

• A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off.
• A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team! We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please email [e-mail] if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme. All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks. Every application matters to us. We want you to know that each application we receive is reviewed by a real person—not just an algorithm. Our screening questions are also carefully considered to help us understand your experience and fit for the role. We appreciate the time you take to apply.