GKN Aerospace Careers
Buyer (After Market & Bids)
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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 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Based in our thriving East Cowes facilities, and reporting into the Procurement Operations Manager (After Market & Bids), the Buyer will:
- Be accountable for local commercial management and assigned non-strategic sourcing for their geographical area.
- Request and review quotes, and place orders once demand is loaded.
- Maintain relationships with suppliers through communication and engagement.
They will also:
- Be responsible for in-contract modifications, minor transfers, or new products.
- Ensure competitive pricing of products in line with the aerospace commodity strategy.
- Manage supplier delivery for parts sourced as modifications, transfers, or new products until First Article Inspection (FAI) is achieved.
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Job Responsibilities
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Report procurement activity and conduct site reviews for their geographical area.
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Interface between the programme and commodity management for new sourcing and change programmes, aligning with the group commodity strategy.
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Support commodity managers with supplier selection using RFQ/RFP tools and E-Sourcing processes.
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Handle parts/supplier transfers and industrialisation (minor transfers) through to FAI.
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Drive the implementation of global/regional agreements within their geographic area.
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Ensure supplier demands placed are radially secured, focusing on cost, quality, and delivery.
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Manage site procurement change control, export control, and ITAR.
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Oversee the integrity of site Bill of Materials (BOM) delivery and maintenance.
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Garner and maintain item/contract data accuracy and updates.
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Flow down customerer materials, pricing, and skyline forecasts to suppliers.
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Collaborate on site cost-reduction opportunities and develop supplier engagement plans per business requirements.
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Assess and address supplier risk, leveraging readiness templates and financial checks via Dunn & Bradstreet.
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Maintain Raw Material Inventory levels aligned with programme targets and deadlines.
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Resolve invoice queries and pricing discrepancies.
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Serve as an escalation point for any cost/contractual issues with suppliers—working with Senior Buyers and commodity managers.
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Job Qualifications
Suitable candidates will demonstrate:
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Significant, broad procurement experience, preferably within a large manufacturing organisation (aerospace ideally but others acceptable).
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Strong relationship-building skills.
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Confidence, gravitas, and professional maturity.
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Independent thinking and decision-making.
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Procurement qualifications are preferred.
We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities.
This role presents your chance to join an industry-leading organisation committed to shaping aerospace innovation. We provide some of the best industry training, and with the right mindset, there's no upraise to where your career could go.
A Great Place to Work Needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcomed at GKN—we embrace diversity, inclusion, and belonging. By combining varied perspectives and a collaborative spirit in an inspiring environment, we thrive. Our commitment to these principles earned us the ‘Best Workplace Culture Award’. By defaultently embracing and celebrating individuality, we empower everyone to bring their full self to work.
Accessibility note: We also provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If support is required, do not hesitate to reach out.
The future of aerospace innovation and technology is yours to shape. We are—the place where human dreams and human endeavour intersect.
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