Strategic Sourcing Buyer, Sr.

GKN Aerospace; Birmingham; On-site; USD 99,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm in Birmingham is seeking a Senior Strategic Sourcing Buyer to oversee procurement activities for indirect materials and services. The role involves contract negotiations and supplier management to achieve cost-effective outcomes. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience in procurement, especially in the aerospace sector, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Strong analytical and leadership skills are essential. This position offers competitive compensation and a commitment to innovation in the industry.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in procurement within aerospace and defense.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for indirect materials.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure favorable pricing and terms.
• Monitor market dynamics impacting material availability.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

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Strategic Sourcing Buyer, Sr., Birmingham

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Client:

GKN Aerospace

Location:

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

9b4f55e8ad82

Job Views:

4

Posted:

01.08.2025

Expiry Date:

15.09.2025

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Job Description:

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

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 we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. 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.

Job Summary

The Sr. Strategic Sourcing Buyer is responsible for leading procurement activities related to indirect materials, services, and capital equipment within aerospace and defense manufacturing operations. This role emphasizes the development and review of Statements of Work (SOWs), contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management to ensure cost-effective, high-quality procurement solutions that support organizational objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for indirect materials, services, and capital equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and refine comprehensive SOWs aligned with operational requirements.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service levels, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and mitigating risk.
• Establish and manage supplier relationships to enhance performance, achieve cost savings, and reduce supply chain risks.
• Ensure procurement activities adhere to applicable industry regulations, internal policies, and contractual obligations.
• Identify and assess potential suppliers to ensure alignment with quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
• Monitor market dynamics, geopolitical developments, and supply chain disruptions impacting material availability and pricing.
• Leverage ERP systems and procurement analytics to monitor supplier performance, contract compliance, and project timelines.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement efforts across sourcing and procurement functions.
• Maintain compliance with ITAR regulations, AS9100 quality standards, and defense contracting requirements.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior procurement professionals and commodity managers.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in procurement, commodity management, or supply chain within the aerospace and defense sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, supplier management, pricing strategies, and risk mitigation.
• Proven ability to develop and evaluate complex SOWs.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement analytics tools.
• In-depth knowledge of ITAR regulations, AS9100 standards, and defense contracting protocols.
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• US Person per ITAR regulations and able to comply with export compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• APICS or CPM certification
• LEAN or Six Sigma experience
• Comprehensive understanding of the aerospace industry
• Exceptional presentation and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain supplier networks with insight into supplier processes
• Proven leadership experience in cross-functional team environments

Compensation Data

Compensation range: $99,738.00 -$124,672.00

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. 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. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

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