Buyer / Senior Buyer

Buyer – Greenford (Hybrid) – Defence & Advanced Technology

Summary

We're recruiting on behalf of a leading defence technology organisation that delivers advanced maritime, aerospace and mission-critical systems to customers across the UK and internationally.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Buyer to join a collaborative Procurement team supporting the acquisition of goods and services across a diverse portfolio of defence programmes. Working within a highly regulated environment, you'll play a key role in ensuring continuity of supply, driving supplier performance and delivering value across cost, quality and delivery.

This role offers exposure to multiple business functions, exciting technology programmes and genuine opportunities for career development within a growing organisation.

Responsibilities

• Purchase goods and services in line with cost, quality and delivery objectives
• Review Purchase Requisitions (PRs) for accuracy, compliance and approval before converting to Purchase Orders
• Clarify specifications, quantities and delivery requirements with internal stakeholders
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing and lead-time data within ERP/MRP systems (IFS or similar)
• Manage supplier order books, expediting orders to support manufacturing and project milestones
• Ensure continuity of supply by identifying and mitigating supply chain risks
• Research markets, identify new sourcing opportunities and deliver cost reduction initiatives
• Build strong supplier relationships and conduct supplier performance reviews
• Support supplier selection, onboarding and approval activities
• Ensure contractual terms and procurement processes are followed throughout the purchasing lifecycle
• Liaise with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Programme teams to maximise product and service performance
• Manage the return and replacement of defective materials while minimising programme impact
• Support Procurement KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives across the function

Skills & Experience

• Experience within Procurement or Purchasing, ideally within a regulated industry such as Defence, Aerospace, Manufacturing or Engineering
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (IFS or similar)
• Strong commercial awareness with supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
• Excellent analytical skills with advanced Excel proficiency
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the business
• Proactive and able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)

Personal Attributes

• Positive, proactive and delivery-focused mindset
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Well organised with excellent attention to detail
• Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative approach with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Passionate about driving continuous improvement and delivering value

What's on Offer

• Hybrid working (Greenford office)
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence and maritime technologies
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and business functions
• Supportive environment with genuine opportunities for career progression
• Be part of an organisation delivering world-leading solutions across maritime, underwater warfare, land, C2ISR and through-life support programmes
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package