Senior Buyer (Site)

GKN; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Senior Buyer to improve procurement operations for its Phoenix site by managing supplier performance and engagement. With a focus on enhancing delivery and quality, this role necessitates regular travel to suppliers across the UK and Europe. Candidates should have substantial experience in procurement and a strong understanding of global supply chain dynamics. Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career progression are part of the package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life assurance

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Income protection

Shopping discounts

Cycle-to-work scheme

Virtual GP clinic

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, operational, commercial and/or supply chain.
• Experience working with a global supply chain.
• Strong understanding of MRP-driven manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Own operational procurement and supplier performance for assigned suppliers.
• Act as the primary supplier interface with a regular on-site presence.
• Lead supplier recovery and corrective action activities.

Skills

Procurement experience

Supplier performance management

Commercial negotiation

Cross-time zone collaboration

Education

Relevant qualification (MCIPS or equivalent)

Job description

GKN Aerospace is on the lookout for a Senior Buyer based in the UK to play a pivotal role in supporting our Phoenix, Arizona operation by working directly with UK and European suppliers. While GKN Phoenix drives a complex global supply chain with substantial annual spend across the UK and Europe, recent OEM growth has created a need for stronger supplier oversight, faster issue resolution, and proactive performance management. This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to lead procurement operations closer to our supplier base, enhancing delivery, quality, and responsiveness through regular on‑site engagement.

How You'll Contribute

• 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 commercial changes in line with MRP and production demand
• Challenge suppliers constructively on delivery, responsiveness and execution
• Lead supplier recovery and corrective action activities for delivery, quality and commercial issues
• Support parts transfers, changes, and industrialisation through First Article Inspection (FAI) to production
• Partner closely with procurement, quality, engineering and operations teams across regions
• Provide clear, fact‑based communication on supplier risk, performance and improvement progress

What Makes This Role Different

• High level of supplier interaction with clear ownership and accountability
• Regular travel to supplier sites to drive performance and improvement first‑hand
• Direct impact on bottom line results through delivery stability, premium freight reduction and supplier capability

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement, operational, commercial and/or supply chain roles (typically 5+ years)
• Experience working with a global supply chain
• Strong understanding of MRP‑driven manufacturing environments
• Confidence challenging suppliers and driving corrective action
• Comfortable working across time zones with international stakeholders
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%

Desirable

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

Onboarding & Travel

• Initial onboarding in the UK, followed by 2–3 weeks in Phoenix, Arizona for on‑the‑job integration
• Ongoing travel to UK/EU suppliers and periodic travel to Phoenix
• International travel is required; a valid passport is essential
• All business travel expenses are covered by the company

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Industry‑leading pension scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life assurance 8 × salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies and are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Competitive salary dependent on experience. Industry leading pension scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis. Life assurance 8 × salary. 25 days holiday + bank holidays. Flexible working hours. Income protection. Shopping discounts. Cycle To Work Scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family. A collaborative, dynamic working environment.

As well as a competitive package we offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business – once you’re on board you never know where your career journey may take you! We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities.

We are a great place to work. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. This culture won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’ and we’re committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage please get in touch so we can assist.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.