Senior Aerospace Supplier Development Lead

GKN Aerospace Services Limited; West of England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry Leading Pension Scheme

Life Assurance 8 x salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Income protection

Shopping discounts

Cycle To Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Virtual GP Clinic

Collaborative working environment

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is seeking a Senior Buyer based in the UK to oversee operational procurement and supplier performance for the Phoenix site while maintaining regular on-site engagement with UK and European suppliers. The role includes significant travel to supplier sites and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Desirable qualifications include aerospace or regulated manufacturing experience, MCIPS or equivalent, and strong negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Aerospace experience or other regulated manufacturing background.
• MCIPS or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience supporting supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial and negotiation capability.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Own operational procurement and supplier performance for assigned suppliers supporting the Phoenix site.
• Act as the primary supplier interface, maintaining regular on-site presence and follow-up.
• Manage purchase orders, schedules, reschedules and changes in line with MRP and production demand.
• Challenge suppliers on delivery, responsiveness and execution.
• Lead supplier recovery and corrective action for delivery, quality and commercial issues.
• Support parts transfers, changes and industrialization through First Article Inspection to production.
• Partner with procurement, quality, engineering and operations teams across regions.
• Provide clear, fact-based communication on supplier risk, performance and improvement progress.

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation

Communication

Interpreting drawings

Education

MCIPS or equivalent qualification

Job description

GKN Aerospace is seeking a Senior Buyer based in the UK to oversee operational procurement and supplier performance for the Phoenix site while maintaining regular on-site engagement with UK and European suppliers. The role includes significant travel to supplier sites and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Desirable qualifications include aerospace or regulated manufacturing experience, MCIPS or equivalent, and strong negotiation skills.