Procurement Category Buyer

Certain Advantage; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Procurement Category Buyer to support a high-profile integration project based in Belfast. This role requires strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with responsibilities including managing supplier performance and ensuring compliance with procurement processes. An ideal candidate will have a solid background in procurement, particularly indirect procurement, and be confident in influencing at senior levels. The position offers a 12 month contract with rates negotiable depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven background as a Buyer within procurement, ideally indirect procurement.
• Strong stakeholder management experience in complex, multi-functional organisations.
• Confident communicator able to influence at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across multiple divisions.
• Manage supplier relationships and oversee supplier performance.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Relationship building

Change management

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Business or Supply Chain

CIPS qualification (or working towards it)

Tools

SAP

Coupa

Job description

Procurement Category Buyer
Belfast, Northern Ireland
12 month contract
Rates: Negotiable (DOE)

Overview

A major aerospace manufacturer is expanding its procurement function and seeking a Procurement Category Buyer to support a high-profile integration project.
This role plays a key part in aligning indirect procurement processes following a recent acquisition, ensuring smooth transition across systems, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Based in Belfast, you'll work closely with local teams and a broader transnational network to drive consistency, deliver value, and strengthen supplier performance across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with company policies, processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across multiple divisions.
• Act as the link between suppliers and internal multifunctional teams, ensuring a unified approach.
• Oversee supplier performance, focusing on contract adherence, quality, and delivery.
• Manage supplier relationships through regular reviews and proactive issue resolution.
• Run sourcing events (CFTs), approve requisitions, and ensure timely delivery of goods/services.
• Support change management activity as new procurement systems and processes are rolled out.
• Communicate process changes clearly and provide training/support where required.
• Track, report, and follow up on progress of integration and change initiatives.
• Flexibility to travel for business when needed.

Essential Experience

• Proven background as a Buyer within procurement — ideally indirect procurement.
• Strong stakeholder management experience in complex, multi-functional organisations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading change initiatives.
• Confident communicator able to influence at senior levels.
• Strong commercial, contractual, and financial awareness.
• Skilled negotiator with strong relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Fluent English (negotiation level).

Desirable Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain or similar discipline.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards it).
• Experience in M&A or post-acquisition integration.
• Knowledge of SAP, Coupa or similar procurement platforms.
• Aerospace or manufacturing experience, particularly supporting production environments.

If you're interested and keen to find out more, please apply now with your updated CV and reach out to Tom Johnson at Certain Advantage - Ref: 79694