Purchasing Team Leader (3108)

VSE; Leigh; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotable Repairs Ltd in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, is seeking a Purchasing Team Leader to coordinate day-to-day purchasing activities for the aviation MRO workshop. You will ensure timely, cost-effective procurement of parts, materials, tools and services while maintaining compliance with aviation regulations and company procedures.

You will lead a small team, manage supplier relationships, and continually improve purchasing processes to support production and operations.

Qualifications

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent with relevant supply chain or admin qualification.
• Minimum 3-5 years purchasing/procurement experience in aviation, engineering, manufacturing or MRO.
• Understanding of aviation regulations, EASA Part 145 and airworthiness docs.
• Experience coordinating purchasing activities and supporting a team.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with attention to compliance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily purchasing activities to align with operational requirements.
• Source and purchase aircraft consumables and components from approved suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships to meet delivery schedules, quality and cost targets.
• Raise, process and monitor POs; maintain procurement records.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure material availability with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain AVL data in collaboration with Compliance.
• Provide training and guidance to Purchasing team members.

Skills

Organisation

Communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Commercial awareness

Education

A-Level qualifications or equivalent

NVQ Level 4/5, HNC/HND in related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Word/Outlook/PowerPoint

Job description

Purchasing Team Leader (3108)# Purchasing Team Leader (3108)LEIGH ON SEA, Essex SS9 5PR## OverviewPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftAnyCategoryNon DOT - Safety Sensitive Position## Description**COMPANY DESCRIPTION:**Rotable Repairs Ltd is a UK based C&D rated Part 145 EASA and UK CAA/FAA Maintenance and Repair organisation for aircraft wheels and brakes, with an extensive capability list that supports the majority of the current aircraft platforms trust by airlines and aerospace organisations all over the world.**JOB SUMMARY:****The Purchasing Team Leader is responsible for** supporting and coordinating the day-to-day purchasing activities of the aviation MRO workshop. The role ensures the timely and cost-effective procurement of parts, materials, tools, and services required to support maintenance and repair operations while maintaining compliance with aviation industry regulations and company procedures. The Purchasing Team Leader provides guidance and support to the team, helping to ensure purchasing objectives, inventory requirements, and service levels are met.**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:****Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:*** Coordinate daily purchasing activities to ensure parts, materials, and services are procured in line with operational requirements.* Source and purchase aircraft consumables, components, and related materials from approved suppliers.* Support the management of supplier relationships to ensure delivery schedules, quality standards, and cost objectives are achieved.* Obtain quotations, compare pricing, and assist with supplier negotiations to achieve best value for the business.* Monitor inventory levels and work closely with Operations, Customer Service, and Production teams to maintain material availability.* Ensure all purchased items meet required specifications, certifications, and airworthiness requirements.* Support the maintenance and updating of the Approved Vendor List (AVL) in conjunction with the Compliance department.* Raise, process, and monitor Purchase Orders (POs) to ensure timely delivery and accurate record keeping.* Review supplier performance and escalate issues relating to quality, delivery, or service levels.* Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing information, delivery schedules, and procurement documentation.* Assist in identifying opportunities to improve purchasing processes, reduce costs, and improve supply chain efficiency.* Produce purchasing reports and performance metrics as required by management.* Support inventory control procedures and stock management activities.* Coordinate and supervise administrative functions relating to heat pack removal, processing, and shipment.* Provide day-to-day support, training, and guidance to Purchasing team members.* Act as the first point of escalation for purchasing-related queries and operational issues.* Ensure compliance with company procedures, quality requirements, health and safety standards, and regulatory requirements.**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:*** Educated to A-Level standard, NVQ Level 4/5, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related discipline.* Minimum of 3-5 years' purchasing or procurement experience, ideally within an aviation, engineering, manufacturing, or MRO environment.* Working knowledge of aviation regulations, including EASA Part 145 requirements and airworthiness documentation.* Understanding of aviation parts procurement, traceability requirements, and supplier approval processes.* Experience coordinating purchasing activities and supporting team members.* Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing workloads and meet deadlines.* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.* Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.* Commercial awareness and ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.* Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.**PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:*** Professional purchasing or supply chain qualification (CIPS Level 4 or above, CSCP, CPSM, or equivalent).* Experience working within an aircraft wheels and brakes maintenance environment.* Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.* Knowledge of ERP or MRP purchasing systems.* Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives and process enhancements.* Understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and quality management systems within an aviation environment.Rotable Repairs Ltd are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We value the unique contributions that every employee brings to our organisation and strive to ensure a fair and supportive recruitment process for all.