Principal Buyer: Strategic Aerospace Procurement Lead

Callen-Lenz; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave per year (plus UK

Pension Scheme via Royal London

Company contributed Share Incentive Pl

Green Car Scheme

Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary

Income protection policy (75% of basic

Private Health Insurance via Bupa

Private Dental insurance via Bupa

Enhanced Maternity and paternity

1 Professional membership reimbursed

1 paid volunteering day per year

Access to an independent financial adv

Job summary

Callen-Lenz in Salisbury, UK, is seeking a Principal Buyer to lead procurement of goods, materials and services, ensuring cost, quality, delivery and continuity of supply across the business.

You will own complex supplier relationships, shape sourcing strategies, manage a team of Buyers, and drive governance and continuous improvement while supporting cross-functional projects in the expanding UK aerospace-focused operations.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above.
• CIPS Level 4 minimum, with Level 5/6 or equivalent professional procurement qualification desirable.
• Relevant procurement, commercial or supply chain qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activity for complex or high-value goods, materials, components and services in line with commercial, operational and programme requirements.
• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies that enhance supply continuity, reduce risk and deliver measurable commercial value.
• Take ownership of key supplier relationships, including performance management, contract compliance, escalation management and the delivery of supplier improvement plans.
• Lead negotiations relating to contracts, pricing, service levels and terms of business using recognised procurement and commercial best practice.
• Provide market intelligence, supplier insight and cost analysis to support informed decision-making, budget control and strategic planning.
• Assess tenders and quotations and make robust recommendations based on commercial, operational, quality and risk considerations.
• Support new product introduction, project delivery and operational initiatives by engaging stakeholders early and advising on procurement risks, opportunities and dependencies.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction, value improvement and process efficiency initiatives across the supply base and wider procurement function.
• Ensure the accurate and timely placement of purchase orders and contracts in accordance with negotiated terms and company policies.
• Resolve supplier issues relating to price, quality, delivery, capacity or invoice discrepancies in a timely, professional and commercially appropriate manner.
• Contribute to procurement governance, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement activities, including KPI performance monitoring and audit readiness.
• Directly line manage Buyers and/or Junior Buyers, including allocation of workload, setting objectives, performance management, absence management, coaching and development.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and coaching to Buyers or Junior Buyers and support capability development across the team.
• Where required, act as a workstream or functional lead on procurement initiatives and deputise for the Procurement Manager in agreed areas of responsibility.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4+)

CIPS Level 4 minimum

Level 5/6 or equivalent procurement qualification desirable

Job description

Callen-Lenz in Salisbury, UK, is seeking a Principal Buyer to lead procurement of goods, materials and services, ensuring cost, quality, delivery and continuity of supply across the business.

You will own complex supplier relationships, shape sourcing strategies, manage a team of Buyers, and drive governance and continuous improvement while supporting cross-functional projects in the expanding UK aerospace-focused operations.