Job Description:

Our client is seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer to join a leading aerospace manufacturing facility based near Heathrow Airport.
This is a commercially focused, hands-on procurement role with a strong emphasis on negotiating new contracts, renegotiating existing supplier agreements and delivering measurable commercial benefits. The successful candidate will challenge existing arrangements, identify cost-saving opportunities and improve contractual terms, while sourcing and assessing new suppliers to maximise value and minimise risk.
You must have demonstrable experience of personally leading supplier negotiations from start to finish. Experience limited to supporting other buyers or stakeholders with negotiations will not be sufficient.
Working closely with internal stakeholders, Legal and Compliance, you will manage sourcing activities and supplier relationships to secure commercially advantageous, compliant agreements that support business objectives.

Location: Hayes, West London
Salary: £47,000-£56,000
Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, office hours
Right to work: Applicants must hold unrestricted right to live and work in the UK. Visa sponsorship cannot be provided now or in the future.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for new and existing supplier contracts, securing improved pricing, payment terms, service levels and contractual conditions.
• Review and challenge existing supplier agreements to identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve terms and secure additional commercial benefits.
• Identify and implement cost-saving, cost-avoidance and value-improvement initiatives, using spend analysis, benchmarking and procurement tools.
• Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers, conducting market research and competitive sourcing exercises to improve value, supply security and supplier choice.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for service and material categories, considering business requirements, total cost, market conditions and risk.
• Lead RFQs, tenders and supplier selection, ensuring decisions are commercially sound, transparent and properly documented.
• Work with Legal and internal stakeholders to review and negotiate contractual terms, manage commercial risks and ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including assessments, reviews, corrective actions, claims, contract changes and renewals.
• Conduct supplier visits to lead negotiations, assess suitability and performance, and strengthen commercial relationships.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready procurement and contract records, reporting on savings, risks and progress.
• Provide operational procurement cover when required, including purchase orders, expediting and supplier coordination.

Requirements:
Essential

• Proven experience personally leading commercial contract negotiations and renegotiations, including reviewing and improving existing supplier agreements.
• Demonstrable success in reducing costs, improving commercial terms and delivering measurable business benefits.
• Experience managing the sourcing process from supplier identification and evaluation through to negotiation, contract award and ongoing performance management.
• Strong understanding of commercial contracts, contractual risks and working with Legal teams.
• Experience using procurement tools, market intelligence, benchmarking and data analysis to identify opportunities and evaluate suppliers.
• Strong supplier relationship management, negotiation, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of procurement compliance, corporate governance and supplier risk management.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong PowerPoint skills for analysis, reporting, business cases and presentations.
• Experience using ERP systems, preferably SAP, and digital tools to improve procurement processes and decision-making.

Desirable

• Aviation or aerospace procurement experience.
• Degree or recognised professional qualification in procurement, supply chain management, business, law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS membership.
• Understanding of information security principles; ISO 27001 awareness is advantageous.

Additional Information
The role is primarily onsite in Hayes, particularly during the first six months. Regular supplier visits and occasional business travel may be required.
If you are interested in applying for this position and you meet the requirements, please apply now!
Line Up Aviation is a specialist aviation and aerospace recruitment company that has been operating all over the world for more than 30 years. We work with some of the industry's best-known companies and pride ourselves with working to the highest standard of service supported by an ingrained culture of honesty and integrity.