Strategic Buyer

Line Up Aviation; Greater London; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Line Up Aviation in Hayes, West London is seeking a Strategic Buyer to lead the procurement of services and materials, negotiating contracts and managing supplier performance to support operations.

The role requires a degree in procurement or related field, with CIPS desirable, and strong experience in strategic sourcing, compliance and analytics. Full-time, on-site with UK work eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Degree or qualification in procurement, supply chain, business, law or related field.
• CIPS qualification or progress towards membership.
• Significant experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
• Proven track record negotiating commercial contracts.
• Good legal and contractual understanding with Legal departments.
• Strong knowledge of procurement compliance and corporate governance.
• Experience managing services and materials procurement categories.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, forecasting and dashboards.
• Strong PowerPoint skills for executive presentations and supplier reviews.
• Experience using AI tools and digital technologies to improve procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned service and material categories based on business requirements, market conditions, risk and total cost.
• Lead RFQ and supplier selection activities with transparent, objective decisions and proper documentation.
• Negotiate complex contracts including pricing, terms, SLAs, liabilities and IP.
• Collaborate with Legal on drafting, review and approval of commercial positions.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with legislation, policies, authorities and data protection obligations.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual and supplier risks.
• Conduct supplier market research, benchmarking and cost analysis to identify savings and value opportunities.
• Build relationships with demand owners, Finance, Quality, Engineering, Operations and Information Security.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Strategic sourcing

Procurement compliance

Problem solving

Education

Degree in procurement / supply chain / business / law

CIPS qualification or progress towards CIPS

Experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management

Tools

SAP

Excel

PowerPoint

AI tools

ERP systems

Job description

I am seeking a Strategic Buyer to join a leading aerospace manufacturing facility based near Heathrow Airport. This key operational role is responsible for the strategic sourcing of services and materials, from market analysis and supplier selection through contract negotiation and supplier performance management. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, Legal and Compliance to secure commercially effective, compliant and sustainable agreements that support operational requirements.

NOTE: all applicants must hold the unrestricted right to live & work in the UK.

No sponsorships can be provided now or in the future.

Role: Strategic Buyer

Location: Hayes, West London

Hours: Full-time Mon-Fri. Office hours.

Salary: £47K - £56K

Main responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned service and material categories, based on business requirements, market conditions, risk and total cost.
• Lead requests for quotation and supplier selection activities, ensuring decisions are transparent, objective and appropriately documented.
• Negotiate complex commercial contracts, including pricing, payment terms, service levels, liability, warranties, intellectual property, confidentiality, termination and renewal provisions.
• Work closely with the Legal department on contract drafting, review and approval, and ensure that commercial positions and risks are clearly understood by stakeholders.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable legislation, internal policies, delegated authorities, ethical standards, sanctions and export control requirements, data protection obligations and other relevant compliance requirements.
• Identify, assess and mitigate commercial, contractual, supply chain and supplier risks, escalating material issues where required.
• Conduct supplier and market research, benchmarking and cost analysis to identify savings, cost avoidance, resilience and value improvement opportunities.
• Build effective relationships with demand owners, Finance, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Information Security and other internal functions.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including business reviews, corrective actions, claims, changes and contract renewals.
• Visit and host current and prospective suppliers for negotiations, assessments, reviews and relationship management.
• Provide cover for Operative Buyers during periods of absence or increased workload, including the creation and management of purchase orders, expediting activities and supplier coordination as required.
• Maintain complete and audit-ready sourcing and contract records, and provide clear updates on progress, risks, decisions and agreed actions.
• Work independently, prioritise competing requirements and take ownership of activities through to completion

Education & Qualification

• Degree or recognised professional qualification in procurement, supply chain management, business, law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification or progress towards CIPS membership is desirable.
• Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management.
• Proven track record in negotiating commercial contracts and supplier agreements.
• Good legal and contractual understanding, including working closely with Legal departments.
• Strong knowledge of procurement compliance and corporate governance.
• Experience managing both services and materials procurement categories.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical thinking, and negotiation skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, forecasting, and dashboard creation.
• Strong PowerPoint skills for executive presentations, business cases, supplier reviews, and strategy updates.
• Practical experience using AI tools and digital technologies to improve procurement processes, reporting, and decision-making.
• Experience conducting supplier assessments and managing supplier performance.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Aviation or aerospace procurement experience is desirable.
• Understanding of information security principles; ISO 27001 awareness is advantageous.

Other

• Regular supplier visits and occasional business travel might be required.