Location: Oxford Airport
Hours: Full-time 08:00-16:30
Salary: £50,000-£60,000 per annum
Role Purpose
As the Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager you will take ownership of the sourcing, negotiation, procurement and supply‑chain activities for aircraft components, spares and associated materials. You will build and manage supplier relationships (including new supplier onboarding), oversee order expediting and ensure that inventory and purchasing strategies align with operational readiness and cost control.
Key Responsibilities
* Source and qualify new suppliers of aircraft components, parts and materials (including OEMs, distributors and authorised channels)
* Manage supplier evaluation, onboarding and performance review processes
* Negotiate terms, contracts, pricing, lead‑times and service levels
* Place purchase orders, monitor status, expedite when required, resolve delays/issues
* Work closely with engineering, MRO/maintenance, operations and finance/inventory teams to ensure parts availability, timely delivery and cost‑effective procurement
* Prepare regular reports and dashboards (e.g., spend analysis, supplier performance, lead‑time tracking, savings achieved)
* Develop and maintain purchasing policies, procedures and best practice (ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, quality standards, traceability etc.)
* Support forecasting and inventory planning: ensuring minimum stock levels, review of slow‑moving items, and alignment with business demand
* Provide out‑of‑hours/stand‑by support on a rotating basis for urgent procurement issues
* Mentor and collaborate with junior team members in the purchasing function (if applicable)
Requirements & Experience
* Extensive procurement/sourcing experience within the aviation sector (aircraft components/spares)
* Proven track record in supplier sourcing and management, contract negotiation, cost control and supply‑chain optimisation
* Strong understanding of aviation regulatory/quality requirements (for example OEM requirements, traceability, part‑qualification, vendor non‑conformance)
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (to build supplier relationships and collaborate across internal teams)
* High level of analytical ability and comfort with data and reporting (MS Excel, ERP/MRP systems)
* Good organisation and prioritisation skills able to handle competing demands and urgent issues in a dynamic aviation environment
* Able to work flexibly (evenings/week‑end stand‑by when required)
* Ideally degree qualified or equivalent in business/engineering/supply‑chain discipline (or demonstrable equivalent experience)
What We Offer
* Competitive salary £50k-£60k
* Dynamic and growing aviation business with global reach
* Opportunity to shape and develop the purchasing/supply‑chain function
* Collaborative team environment with real impact
* Training/development opportunities
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