Senior Buyer

Willis Global Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace material supplier in the UK seeks a Senior Buyer. You'll manage supplier relationships, drive cost efficiencies, and optimize inventory in a hybrid work environment. Proven procurement experience in aerospace is preferred. Attractive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

Annual Discretionary Bonus

Hybrid working

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a procurement or purchasing role, ideally within Aerospace or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of cost structures and commercial terms.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for a designated portfolio of materials.
• Influence internal stakeholders to achieve group purchasing objectives.
• Conduct supplier risk assessments and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Attention to detail

Education

CIPS qualification or working towards it

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Our client, a leading world-class aerospace material supplier, specializing in supplying a comprehensive range of products tailored for the Aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, are looking to recruit a Senior Buyer, to be based at their offices near St Albans, Hertfordshire.

On offer:

• An exciting opportunity to join a well-respected and leading aerospace materials provider who is experiencing rapid growth.
• Based at a modern state of the art office and warehouse facility, easily accessed by car and with onsite parking
• Working hours: Monday Friday, 8:30am 5:00pm
• Salary up to GBP35K, dependant on skills and experience, along with annual Discretionary Bonus
• Hybrid working (1 day per week from home after 8 10 weeks of onboarding and training)
• 25 Days annual leave (following completion of probation) and increasing by 1 day at years 3, 5, and 7yrs of service
• Pension scheme and EV car scheme (available post-probation)
• Quarterly team dinners, a summer team activity, and a Christmas party
• Enhanced parental leave (2 weeks at full pay for both maternity and paternity)
• Life assurance at 2x base salary (following 3 months of service)

Main Purpose of the Senior Buyer:

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Senior Buyer will play a critical role within the Procurement team by driving cost efficiencies, managing supplier relationships, and optimising inventory to support revenue generation and customer satisfaction. You will work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders, particularly Sales, to ensure strategic sourcing and continuity of supply.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Senior Buyer:

• Lead procurement activities for a designated portfolio of materials, goods, or services.
• Influence internal stakeholders to achieve group purchasing objectives.
• Review ERP/MRP recommendations to meet material and inventory demand.
• Deliver KPIs related to cost, cash flow, quality, service, and supply continuity.
• Monitor and analyse market intelligence to support procurement decisions.
• Support supplier innovation initiatives and adapt strategy as technology and business needs evolve.
• Conduct supplier risk assessments and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Provide accurate input for forecasting, planning, budgeting, and reforecasting activities.
• Ensure supplier compliance with contract terms, based on formal legal agreements.
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders regarding procurement activities.
• Oversee administrative tasks within the team to ensure seamless day-to-day operations.

To Be Considered:

• Proven experience in a procurement or purchasing role, ideally within Aerospace or manufacturing.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards it) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of cost structures, commercial terms, and supplier management.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commercially astute with good financial awareness.
• Proficient in using ERP systems (experience preferred).
• Ability to manage time effectively and work under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

For more details, please contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Aviation & Aerospace industry