Senior Sub Buyer

This role will involve actively working in a matrix organisation structure as a Senior Sub-Contract Buyer into the EW Sensors (IPT) within the S&PT sector of the Luton site. The primary focus for this role will be the management of sub-contract commitments both tangible and intangible in their nature.

This role will require a demonstrated ability to manage internal and external relationships and will require broad experiences of working cross functionally in a matrix organisation, in order to influence a breadth of business decisions throughout the Life Cycle Management (LCM) framework. The individual will have strong and effective communication skills, with the ability to develop and nurture internal customer relationships, promote customer intimacy and team working.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate successful subcontract management by developing robust contracts which mitigate commercial risk and address lifecycle factors whilst fostering and maintaining supplier relationships.

Typical Accountabilities:

Lead the delivery of sub-contract management activities and other procurement related services which may be required by the business

Develop, implement and execute the Procurement strategy for the EW Sensors area

Translate customer / project requirements into commercial documents, particularly pertaining to the design, development and production of bespoke complex electronic systems

Develop and negotiate robust contracts for outsourced services and intangible deliveries

Identifying and sourcing appropriate supply chains for the delivery of outsourced intangible services

Promotes customer intimacy in both internal and external relationships

Focal point for project and suppliers regarding contract and supply base matters

Drives and leads strategies to influence business decisions throughout the project life cycle

Identify solutions for complex areas of potential risk /opportunity e.g. sub-contract risk, liability and exchange rate exposure etc. and deliver solutions/mitigations

Draft and prepare complex contract documentation using standard and non-standard formats

Working cross functionally to review customer contracts to identify appropriate contractual flowdowns

Lead the generation and review of 'appropriate' specifications and Statement of Work documents

Promotes a culture of best practice and sharing of knowledge within the function and across the wider business

Construct and lead the contracts and supply chain management Life Cycle Management (LCM) deliverables

Work with stakeholders, at all levels, in order to understand Customer requirements and critical success factors

Management of Export Compliance, restrictions and third party rights for all procured items and services

Key Performance Indicators:

Timely and accurate preparation of data

Deadlines consistently met and to the required standard

Adherence to functional specific, LCM and business process requirements and standards

Positive feedback from internal/external customers and peer group

Identification and management of supply chains in support of outsourced service requirements

Quality of contracts, supply chain management and demonstrated performance of project deliverables throughout the project lifecycle

Skills, Qualifications & Knowledge:

Requires appropriate training to degree level or equivalent or significant relevant work experience (studying towards or achievement of MCIPS is preferred)

A good working knowledge and understanding of Procurement within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector) and ability to apply them with minimal supervision and direction

As well as procuring hardware the ability to procure intangible services linked to training, software and professional services is desirable

Relationship building skills with cross-functional colleagues, customers and suppliers

A good understanding of the Commercial and Legal Aspects associated with contracting within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector)

A good understanding of Export Compliance associated with contracting within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector)

An ability to think 'outside of the box' offering solutions to enable the function to add value and innovation

SAP familiarity (or equivalent integrated business systems)

Ability to engage and influence cross-functional/cross site teams