Strategic Buyer

Overview

In this Strategic Buyer role, you drive category sourcing, supplier selection, and complex contract negotiations to deliver compliant, commercially strong agreements. You will manage supplier performance and risk, aligning procurement with legal and governance requirements while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The position supports supply chain resilience and value creation in a global aviation services context. This on-site role in Hayes offers regular supplier visits and stakeholder engagement to shape sustainable sourcing outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies
• Lead RFQs and supplier selection
• Negotiate complex commercial contracts
• Manage supplier relationships and performance
• Conduct market and cost analysis
• Identify value and risk opportunities
• Ensure procurement activity meets legal, compliance and governance requirements
• Collaborate with Finance, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Information Security, Legal and Compliance

Key requirements

• Degree/professional qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Law or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• CIPS qualification or progress towards membership is desirable
• Significant strategic sourcing, procurement and supplier management experience
• Proven commercial contract negotiation experience
• Strong contractual, compliance and corporate governance knowledge
• Experience procuring both services and materials
• Strong commercial, analytical and negotiation skills
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Experience using AI and digital tools to improve procurement processes
• Supplier assessment and performance management experience
• ERP experience, preferably SAP
• Aviation/aerospace procurement experience desirable
• ISO 27001 awareness advantageous
• Confident, proactive and professional communicator with sound judgement and integrity
• UK work eligibility for the long term without restrictions

• confident, proactive and professional communicator
• sound judgement and integrity
• analytical and negotiation mindset
• Advanced Excel
• PowerPoint
• AI and digital tools to improve procurement processes

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