Principal Buyer

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activity for complex or high‑value goods, materials, components and services in line with commercial, operational and programme requirements.
• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies that enhance supply continuity, reduce risk and deliver measurable commercial value.
• Take ownership of key supplier relationships, including performance management, contract compliance, escalation management and the delivery of supplier improvement plans.
• Lead negotiations relating to contracts, pricing, service levels and terms of business using recognised procurement and commercial best practice.
• Provide market intelligence, supplier insight and cost analysis to support informed decision‑making, budget control and strategic planning.
• Assess tenders and quotations and make robust recommendations based on commercial, operational, quality and risk considerations.
• Support new product introduction, project delivery and operational initiatives by engaging stakeholders early and advising on procurement risks, opportunities and dependencies.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction, value improvement and process efficiency initiatives across the supply base and wider procurement function.
• Ensure the accurate and timely placement of purchase orders and contracts in accordance with negotiated terms and company policies.
• Resolve supplier issues relating to price, quality, delivery, capacity or invoice discrepancies in a timely, professional and commercially appropriate manner.
• Contribute to procurement governance, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement activities, including KPI performance monitoring and audit readiness.
• Directly line manage Buyers and/or Junior Buyers, including allocation of workload, setting objectives, performance management, absence management, coaching and development.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, guidance and coaching to Buyers or Junior Buyers and support capability development across the team.
• Where required, act as a workstream or functional lead on procurement initiatives and deputise for the Procurement Manager in agreed areas of responsibility.

• GCSE or equivalent Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above
• CIPS Level 4 minimum, with Level 5/6 or equivalent professional procurement qualification desirable
• Relevant procurement, commercial or supply chain qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Significant procurement and strategic sourcing experience, preferably within an aviation, engineering or manufacturing environment
• Demonstrable experience of leading complex negotiations, managing key supplier relationships and delivering commercial outcomes
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse cost, risk, contractual exposure and supply market opportunities
• Highly effective stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels across the business and supplier base
• Excellent negotiation, communication, influencing and interpersonal skills
• Analytical and numerically strong, with proven problem‑solving, decision‑making and prioritisation capability
• Proven direct line management experience, including performance management, objective setting, coaching and developing team members.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation, with a strong focus on delivering commercial value and process efficiency. Proven ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders, and drive procurement governance and compliance.