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Operational Buyer
full-timeEast Cowes

Summary

Location

East Cowes

Type

full-time

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About this role

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

 

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

 

Based in our East Cowes facility, and reporting into one of our Senior Buyers, the Operational Buyer will join a friendly, thriving team responsible for order processing of in-contract scheduling, and management of supplier delivery performance in line with MPS and business requirements, delivering against supplier and business performance objectives focused on procured parts delivery.

 

We're looking for someone with bags of energy and drive - someone dynamic, and truly passionate about striving for procurement excellence and the development of strong supplier relationships. If that sounds like you, then read on...

 

Job Responsibilities

 

  • Ensuring delivery in line with operational performance requirements from suppliers across a scope of ~ £10m spend
  • Supplier scheduling and alignment in line with MPS and the accuracy of supplier and procured parts data within the MRP system to ensure that demand signals minimise shortages and eliminate unwanted inventory
  • Daily maintenance of supplier promise dates to ensure that the most up-to-date and accurate information is held within the supplier schedules
  • Contribute towards and support the Procurement Operations Manager or Site Procurement Manager to deliver the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process in regards to external supply reviews
  • Management of suppliers to ensure that they can deliver against committed orders (OTIF), identification of supply risk, constraints and bottleneck, escalating as required
  • Carryout Supplier performance assessments
  • Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives internally and within supplier
  • Build strong supplier relationship and daily interface
  • Ensuring multi-function team reviews are taking place with key suppliers
  • Communicate with internal customers and receiving areas as frequently as required
  • The adherence to ways of working, standard procurement processes and daily management tasks
  • Ownership of the supplier scorecard process to ensure that supplier performance is communicated to all levels of the supplier and is regularly reviewed as part of multifunction team reviews
  • Support SQE on supplier non-conformance and processing of supplier returns and claims
  • Ensure prompt supplier payment by clearing any invoice queries

Job Qualifications

 

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do, along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

 

ESSENTIAL:

  • Demonstrable previous experience in procurement and supply chain activities;
  • Strong, confident communicator, able to deal effectively with people (including suppliers) at all levels; diplomatic, with the capability of having difficult conversations when required;
  • Dynamic and energetic, with the passion and drive to deliver procurement excellence; 
  • Quick learner — intellectually sharp, proactive, and able to rapidly absorb new information, processes, and technical concepts.
  • Highly organised — able to prioritise effectively, manage multiple tasks, and follow structured processes with consistency and accuracy.
  • Strong problem‑solving abilities — naturally analytical, resourceful, and able to identify root causes and implement practical solutions.
  • Technically proficient — fully competent in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
  • Self‑motivated and proactive — able to work independently, take initiative, and maintain momentum without close supervision.
  • Flexible and mobile — willing and able to undertake regular domestic and international travel to supplier sites (up to 40% as required).

 

 

DESIRABLE:

  • Degree Qualified or equivalent work experience gained in either Supply Chain administration/planning or Procurement roles;
  • APICS / MCIPS qualification
  • MRP Proficiency

 

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

 

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

 

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​

Other facts

Tech stack
Procurement,Supply Chain,Communication,Problem Solving,Organizational Skills,Technical Proficiency,Supplier Management,Data Analysis,Relationship Building,Performance Improvement,Scheduling,Inventory Management,Negotiation,Team Collaboration,Flexibility,Initiative

About GKN Aerospace Careers

GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, with a mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace designs, manufactures and delivers an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies – for use in commercial and defense aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to the most advanced fighter aircraft. In line with its mission, GKN Aerospace is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, electrical wiring interconnection systems and innovative engine systems help to reduce emissions and weight on today’s aircraft, while it collaborates with global partners to accelerate the development of zero-emission aircraft technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures and engine systems, with 16,000 employees across its 36 manufacturing locations in 12 countries.

Team size: 10,001+ employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

What you'll do

  • The Operational Buyer will be responsible for order processing, supplier delivery performance management, and ensuring alignment with business requirements. They will also drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and maintain strong supplier relationships.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Operational Buyer do at GKN Aerospace Careers?

As a Operational Buyer at GKN Aerospace Careers, you will: the Operational Buyer will be responsible for order processing, supplier delivery performance management, and ensuring alignment with business requirements. They will also drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and maintain strong supplier relationships..

Why join GKN Aerospace Careers as a Operational Buyer?

GKN Aerospace Careers is a leading Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing company.

Is the Operational Buyer position at GKN Aerospace Careers remote?

The Operational Buyer position at GKN Aerospace Careers is based in East Cowes, England, United Kingdom. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Operational Buyer position at GKN Aerospace Careers?

You can apply for the Operational Buyer position at GKN Aerospace Careers directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about GKN Aerospace Careers on their website.