Job Summary
Join GKN Aerospace as a Senior Buyer – Make a Global Impact from the UK! GKN Aerospace is on the lookout for a Senior Buyer based in the UK to play a pivotal role in supporting our Phoenix, Arizona operation by working directly with UK and European suppliers. While GKN Phoenix drives a complex global supply chain with substantial annual spend across the UK and Europe, the recent OEM growth creates a need for stronger supplier oversight, faster issue resolution and proactive performance management. This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to lead procurement operations closer to our supplier base, enhancing delivery, quality and responsiveness through regular on‑site engagement. If you’re ready to make a tangible impact on a global stage and take ownership of supplier relationships that drive excellence, this is your chance.
How You'll Contribute
* Own operational procurement and supplier performance for assigned suppliers supporting the Phoenix site
* Act as the primary supplier interface, maintaining a regular on‑site presence and follow‑up
* Manage purchase orders, schedules, reschedules and commercial changes in line with MRP and production demand
* Challenge suppliers constructively on delivery, responsiveness and execution
* Lead supplier recovery and corrective action activities for delivery, quality and commercial issues
* Support parts transfers, changes and industrialisation through First Article Inspection (FAI) to production
* Partner closely with procurement, quality, engineering and operations teams across regions
* Provide clear, fact‑based communication on supplier risk, performance and improvement progress
What Makes This Role Different
* High level of supplier interaction with clear ownership and accountability
* Regular travel to supplier sites to drive performance and improvement first‑hand
* Direct impact on bottom line results through delivery stability, premium freight reduction and supplier capability
What You'll Bring
Essential
* Proven experience in procurement, operational, commercial and/or supply chain roles (typically 5+ years)
* Experience working with a global supply chain
* Strong understanding of MRP‑driven manufacturing environments
* Confidence challenging suppliers and driving corrective action
* Comfortable working across time zones with international stakeholders
* Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%
Desirable
* Aerospace or other regulated manufacturing experience
* MCIPS or equivalent professional qualification
* Experience supporting supplier performance improvement or development initiatives
* Strong commercial and negotiation capability
* Ability to interpret drawings and specifications
Onboarding & Travel
* Initial onboarding in the UK, followed by 2–3 weeks in Phoenix, Arizona for on‑job integration
* Ongoing travel to UK/EU suppliers and periodic travel to Phoenix
* International travel is required; a valid passport is essential
* All business travel expenses are covered by the company
What We Offer
* Competitive salary dependent on experience
* Industry Leading Pension Scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
* Life Assurance 8× salary
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* Flexible working hours
* Income protection
* Shopping discounts
* Cycle To Work Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
* A collaborative, dynamic working environment
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Diversity & Inclusion
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through collaboration in an inclusive, diverse environment. Our culture celebrates the unique contributions of all employees and has been recognised with the Best Workplace Culture Award.
Accessible Recruitment Process
We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during The recruitment process please let us know.
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