Programme Buyer (Site)

GKN Aerospace; East Cowes; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

GKN Aerospace East Cowes is seeking a programme Buyer to join the busy Procurement Department. Based at East Cowes, you will report to the Procurement Operations Manager and work in a high-performing team with opportunities for development.

Travel to supplier sites, domestically and internationally, up to 20% will be required. The role offers exposure to programme and commodity management, cost and delivery objectives, and a path to grow within a growing international organisation.

Qualifications

• Previous work experience in supply chain, procurement or related roles.
• Strong communicator, able to deal with stakeholders at all levels; diplomatic.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 20%).

Responsibilities

• Reporting procurement activity and site reviews for programmes under responsibility.
• Daily communication with internal customers and receiving areas.
• Interface between programme and commodity management for sourcing and change programmes.
• Support parts/supplier transfers and industrialisation (major transfers).
• Transfers and industrialisation (minor transfers) through to FAI.
• Drive implementation of global/regional agreements within programme portfolio.
• PO demands to ensure cost, quality and delivery objectives.
• Site procurement change control, export control and ITAR.
• Maintain and update site BOM data and contract data.
• Communicate pricing and skyline forecasts to suppliers.
• Develop cost reduction opportunities and supplier development plans.

Skills

Communication

Organised

MS Office

Excel

Travel willingness

Education

Degree Qualified

Job description

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Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Due to internal promotion, a vacancy has become available for a Programme Buyer to join our busy Procurement Department.

Based in our thriving East Cowes facilities, and reporting into the Procurement Operations Manager, this is an excellent opportunity for someone bright, confident, and switched on, preferably with some previous experience within Purchasing and Supply, to join a high-performing, dynamic team, and develop a rewarding career with a successful, growing international organisation. This role will offer the post holder high visibility within our organisation, with the opportunity for ongoing learning and further career development if they want it.

This role will require travel to supplier sites, both domestically and internationally (could be up to 20%), so a willingness and ability to travel is essential.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an identical opportunity to one that was recently advertised - please understand that if you applied for that role, and were subsequently unsuccessful, then we may not be able to consider a fresh application at this time.

Job Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities will include (but not be limited to):

• Reporting procurement activity and site reviews for the Programmes under their responsibility.
• Daily communication with internal customers and receiving areas
• Interface between programme and commodity management for new sourcing and change programmes in line with the group commodity strategy
• Supporting parts / supplier transfers and industrialisation (Major transfers)
• Parts / supplier transfers and industrialisation (Minor transfers) through to FAI
• Driving implementation of global / regional agreements within programme portfolio
• Transfer of parts from PO to Schedule including the negotiation of moving from Schedule to consignment / DLF etc
• PO demands placed upon suppliers to ensure that Key Objectives of cost, quality and delivery are secured
• Site procurement change control, export control and ITAR
• Delivery / maintenance / Integrity of site BOM
• Ensuring item / contract data is updated and maintained
• The flow down of enabled customer materials, pricing and skyline forecasts to Suppliers
• Developing and supporting site cost reduction opportunities and supplier development plans in-line with business requirements.
• Supplier risk including use of rate readiness templates and awareness of Dunn & Bradstreet for financials

Job Qualifications

Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate:

ESSENTIAL:

• Previous work experience gained within a similarly commercially focussed environment (Supply Chain administration/planning or Procurement roles would be ideal, but not essential);
• Strong, confident communicator, able to deal effectively with stakeholders at all levels; diplomatic, with the capability of having difficult conversations when required;
• Smart, switched on, with the ability to learn quickly;
• Organised, and able to follow a process;
• Computer literate; proficient in Microsoft Office; Excel, Outlook and Word;
• Willingness and ability for travel to supplier sites both domestically and internationally (could be up to 20%)

DESIRABLE:

• Degree Qualified;

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We arethe place where human dreams, plus humanendeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.