We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to manage the Engineering category within AirTanker’s Supply Chain & Logistics function, with a particular focus on the close management of critical suppliers that support our operation.

You will take ownership of significant categories of spend, managing procurement activity from initial scoping and tendering through to supplier selection, negotiation and contract placement. Alongside this, you will closely manage critical engineering suppliers and operational sub-contracts, build strong supplier relationships and work with stakeholders across the business to ensure our commercial arrangements continue to deliver value.

This is an opportunity to take real ownership within a £multi-million supply chain, using your commercial expertise to influence purchasing decisions, strengthen the performance of key engineering suppliers, identify opportunities to reduce cost and improve how we procure goods and services.

Responsibilities

AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD.

As Senior Buyer, you will support that capability by helping ensure the business has the suppliers, services and commercial arrangements it needs to deliver effectively. Working across Supply Chain & Logistics, you will partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver robust procurement strategies, effective contracts and sustainable commercial value.

Skills

Commercial Ownership: Take responsibility for defined procurement categories and significant areas of spend across a £multi-million supply chain.

Influence & Impact: Work directly with stakeholders and suppliers to shape procurement strategies, negotiate contracts and deliver better commercial outcomes.

Supplier Management: Build strong supplier relationships and use performance and procurement data to identify opportunities, manage dependencies and drive improvement.

End-to-End Procurement: Lead activity across scoping, tendering, supplier evaluation, selection, negotiation and order placement rather than focusing on one part of the purchasing lifecycle.

Continuous Improvement: Play an active role in reducing cost, rationalising the supply chain and improving procurement governance, frameworks and processes across the business.

Benefits

You will be a commercially minded procurement professional with experience managing and developing sub-contracts within a services environment and the confidence to work effectively with suppliers and stakeholders across the business.

You will bring strong negotiation and relationship management skills, combined with the ability to balance commercial value with operational requirements and deadlines.

You will also have:

CIPS Level 4 or 5 Diploma
Experience managing and developing sub-contracts within a services business
Experience building effective relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders and external customers
Experience within Engineering, Aerospace or Defence
Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.