Strategic Buyer Opportunity

I am seeking a Strategic Buyer to join a leading aerospace manufacturing facility based near Heathrow Airport.

This key operational role is responsible for the strategic sourcing of services and materials, from market analysis and supplier selection through contract negotiation and supplier performance management.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders, Legal and Compliance to secure commercially effective, compliant, and sustainable agreements that support operational requirements.

NOTE - all applicants must hold the unrestricted right to live & work in the UK. No sponsorships can be provided now or in the future.

Role: Strategic Buyer

Location: Hayes, West London

Hours: Full-time Mon-Fri. Office hours.

Salary: £47K - £56K

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned service and material categories, based on business requirements, market conditions, risk, and total cost.
• Lead requests for quotation and supplier selection activities, ensuring decisions are transparent, objective, and appropriately documented.
• Negotiate complex commercial contracts, including pricing, payment terms, service levels, liability, warranties, intellectual property, confidentiality, termination, and renewal provisions.
• Work closely with the Legal department on contract drafting, review, and approval, and ensure that commercial positions and risks are clearly understood by stakeholders.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable legislation, internal policies, delegated authorities, ethical standards, sanctions, export control requirements, data protection obligations, and other relevant compliance requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial, contractual, supply chain, and supplier risks, escalating material issues where required.
• Conduct supplier and market research, benchmarking, and cost analysis to identify savings, cost avoidance, resilience, and value improvement opportunities.
• Build effective relationships with demand owners, Finance, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Information Security, and other internal functions.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including business reviews, corrective actions, claims, changes, and contract renewals.
• Visit and host current and prospective suppliers for negotiations, assessments, reviews, and relationship management.
• Provide cover for Operative Buyers during periods of absence or increased workload, including the creation and management of purchase orders, expediting activities, and supplier coordination as required.
• Maintain complete and audit-ready sourcing and contract records, and provide clear updates on progress, risks, decisions, and agreed actions.
• Work independently, prioritize competing requirements, and take ownership of activities through to completion.