Buyer

About the Role

A position of Buyer has opened within Aerostructures Procurement at Airbus Operations Limited. This is a strategic, high-exposure opportunity to join a critical team managing some of the company's supply chain. As a Buyer, you will procure goods and services essential for our aircraft manufacturing operations, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to quality standards.

You will be at the forefront of managing key strategic supplier relationships. Your mandate will be to secure contractual stability and pricing agreements, which are critical to the success of Airbus' major programs. You will play a crucial role in mitigating complex supply chain risks and building robust procurement solutions to meet ambitious production rate targets.

How You Will Contribute to the Team

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for assigned categories, from identifying needs to contract execution and supplier management.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Conduct market research, identify potential suppliers, and evaluate their capabilities.
• Lead complex negotiations and draft contractual wording to secure favourable terms and conditions with suppliers, including price, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and purchase orders.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed-upon metrics and implement corrective actions, managing critical supplier performance and risk mitigation in fast-paced production environments.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., engineering, production, logistics) to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Manage supplier relationships, fostering strong partnerships and driving continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.
• Identify and proactively mitigate potential supply chain risks.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive proven experience in a purchasing or procurement role, preferably within the aerospace or manufacturing industry.
• Solid understanding of supply chain principles and best practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to draft contractual wording and lead complex negotiations.
• Able to interface effectively with external parties and internal stakeholders (e.g., government/industry partners), developing constructive, long-term partnerships.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, SAP ECC).
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Collaborates well within a team, is proactive in proposing solutions for high-exposure commercial and contractual challenges, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other languages is a plus.

Working at Airbus

Airbus Operations Limited offers a competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, shopping discounts, and much more.

Enjoy a great work-life balance with a 35-hour week, flexible working around core hours, and Friday afternoons off. Benefit from hybrid working and the option to buy/sell holiday.

Invest in your personal development with a personalised development plan, access to the Airbus Leadership University, and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses. Explore internal mobility and international opportunities.

Your health and wellbeing are supported through Bupa health insurance (including assisted fertility treatments and gender dysphoria & reassignment support), 24/7 online GP and mental health support, discounted family health/dental insurance/eye tests, a cycle-to-work scheme, and on-site amenities like a canteen, coffee shop, and lunchtime yoga/meditation sessions.

Family and caregiving needs are supported with life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, and purpose-built maternity rooms on site.

Experience an inclusive environment with a wellbeing room, multi-faith room, and various Employee Representative Groups covering diversity in gender, LGBTQ+, international, generational, disability, social & cultural diversity, and neurodiversity.

Location and Travel

The role is based in Filton, with 80% of your working week office-based. Occasional travel within the UK and internationally is required, including to Hamburg.

Security Clearance

You will be subject to a BPSS check, including a criminal record check.

Employment Type

Permanent, Full time

Company Commitment

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Airbus is committed to equal opportunities for all. Any impersonation of Airbus for monetary exchange during recruitment should be reported.

Airbus supports flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.