Senior Buyer

Copello; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in High Wycombe is seeking an experienced Buyer to manage procurement activities for electronics and electrical components. The role involves supplier development, bid analysis, and maintaining compliance within a regulated environment. Candidates should possess a strong background in defence procurement and relevant experience in sourcing complex components. This position requires working onsite four days a week and is inside IR35, offering a competitive daily rate of up to £500.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of electronic components and systems.
• Collaborate with teams to align supply chain with project schedules.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Procurement experience in defence sectors

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems

Tools

SAP

Oracle

MS Office

Job description

Copello Global are recruiting for a leading defence organisation in Buckinghamshire and 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 per week. Role will require candidates to be eligible for SC. Role is inside IR35 and offering a rate of up to £500 per day.