Senior Buyer

baesystems; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus

Job summary

BAE Systems is seeking a Senior Buyer to manage end-to-end procurement for Capital Investment projects, supporting manufacturing and R&D. You will collaborate with engineers, budget holders, SMEs, suppliers, and consultants to devise procurement strategies and implement contractual terms.

The role involves leading sourcing activities, supplier selection, and contract preparation while driving cost-saving opportunities and continuous improvement across the Procurement & Estates function at

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role or a related degree.
• Experience within construction and/or Capital Investment categories.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills (contract skills).
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced commercial environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to understand requirements and develop procurement strategies.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including pre-qualification, RFPs and tender evaluations.
• Manage supplier selection, contract preparation, and due diligence.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities while ensuring value and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to the wider Procurement & Estates strategy.

Skills

Procurement

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder management

Sourcing

Cost reduction

Education

Related degree or professional qualification

Job description

Job Title: Senior Buyer

Location: Preston /Samlesbury- We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Referral Bonus: £1000

Grade: GG10

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development.

We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager.

If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will be required to manage the end-to-end procurement process of Capital Investment projects primarily for our manufacturing and R&D processes.

Typically, this will require the buyer to work with multiple stakeholders including engineers, budget holders, SMEs, external suppliers, contractors and consultancies in order to devise and execute a suitable procurement strategy & implement contractual terms. You will also be at the forefront of supporting business winning campaigns and new manufacturing / technology initiatives providing a great insight into BAE Systems Air Sector as a whole.

Core duties:

• Partner with stakeholders to understand requirements and develop effective procurement strategies
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including pre-qualification, RFP processes, and tender evaluations
• Manage supplier selection, contract preparation, and supplier due diligence activities
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities while ensuring value and quality outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the wider Procurement & Estates strategy

Essential Skills:

• Experience working in a similar position or a related degree
• Experience within construction and/or Capital Investment categories
• Strong negotiation and communication skills (Contract skills)
• Ability to work under pressure, whilst ensuring deadlines are met
• Comfortable in a fast-paced commercial environment
• Supplier Management

The Infrastructure Category Team:

The BAE Systems Air business is embarking on a period of significant investment in order to sustain and modernise its manufacturing capability. An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the existing Infrastructure Category team, with a specific requirement to support projects at Samlesbury and Warton in Lancashire, as a Senior Buyer.

The role will provide you with fantastic opportunities to support project delivery, primarily within the Air Sector, covering all platforms, manufacturing areas and sites.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 13th October 2026