Senior Buyer

Copello; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Buckinghamshire is seeking an experienced Buyer for a 4-month contract to oversee procurement activities. You will manage the sourcing of electronic components and systems while ensuring compliance with defence regulations. Key skills include negotiation, supplier management, and experience with ERP systems. The role requires onsite work for 4 days a week, within IR35 regulations, and offers a competitive rate of up to £500 per day.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Procurement Specialist in regulated engineering sectors.
• Strong background in sourcing electronics and electrical components.
• Familiarity with defence procurement frameworks and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement of electronic and electrical components.
• Identify and develop suppliers to meet technical and quality standards.
• Execute RFQs and analyze bids while negotiating pricing.

Skills

Buyer experience

Supplier negotiation

Procurement of electronic components

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Copello Global are recruiting for a leading defence organisation in Buckinghamshire is seeking an experienced Buyer to support its Electronics and Electrical (E&E) procurement activities. This role will play a key part in ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing of complex components and systems, maintaining supply continuity, and supporting project delivery within a highly regulated environment on an initial 4 month contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end procurement of electronic and electrical components, assemblies, and systems in line with project and operational requirements.
• Identify, select, and develop suppliers capable of meeting technical, quality, and cost expectations within defence-grade standards.
• Execute RFQs, analyse bids, negotiate pricing, lead contract discussions, and place purchase orders.
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and adherence to specifications, addressing risks and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, production, and project management teams to ensure supply chain alignment with technical and build schedules.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives, value engineering activities, and long-term supply strategy development.
• Maintain compliance with export controls, defence regulations, and internal procurement policies.
• Ensure accurate data, reporting, and documentation within ERP/MRP systems (SAP/IFS/Oracle or similar).

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Buyer, Procurement Specialist, or Supply Chain Professional within the defence, aerospace, or other regulated engineering sectors.
• Strong background in sourcing and procuring electronics and electrical components, including PCB assemblies, wiring harnesses, sensors, connectors, and related hardware.
• Solid commercial acumen with demonstrable negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Familiarity with defence procurement frameworks, quality standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO9001), and export controls (e.g., ITAR/EAR).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and complex stakeholder requirements.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Proficient with MRP/ERP systems and MS Office tools.

Role will require the successful candidate to work onsite 4 days a week. Candidates must be eligible for SC.

Role is inside IR35 and offering a rate of up to £500 per day.