Buyer

About the role

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener. As the Buyer (Site), you will be responsible for the local commercial management of assigned suppliers and non-strategic sourcing activities within a designated manufacturing site or defined geographic area. This role supports procurement operations by ensuring materials and services are sourced competitively and in alignment with established commodity strategies, business objectives, and customer requirements. You will manage supplier performance related to cost, quality, and delivery, support supplier transitions and industrialization activities, and serve as a key interface between site operations, program teams, and commodity management.

Responsibilities

• Execute local sourcing activities in accordance with approved commodity and procurement strategies.
• Support supplier selection activities, including RFQ/RFP processes, utilizing e-sourcing tools and established procurement procedures.
• Implement and support global and regional supplier agreements within the assigned geographic area.
• Manage purchasing activities to ensure achievement of cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Negotiate and manage procurement arrangements, including transitions from purchase orders to scheduling agreements, consignment programs, and other supply models.
• Coordinate and manage supplier and part transfers, including industrialization activities for minor transfer programs through First Article Inspection (FAI) approval.
• Support major supplier and part transfer initiatives in partnership with Commodity Management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier performance and proactively address delivery, quality, cost, and contractual issues.
• Serve as an escalation point for supplier-related commercial and contractual concerns, collaborating with Senior Buyers and Commodity Managers as required.
• Support supplier development plans and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as the procurement interface between site operations, program teams, and commodity management for sourcing initiatives and engineering change programs.
• Report procurement activity and participate in site reviews to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Manage site procurement change control activities and ensure compliance with applicable export control regulations, including ITAR requirements.
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of procurement-related data, including Bills of Material (BOMs), item records, and contract information.
• Ensure supplier receipt of customer-enabled materials, pricing updates, and demand forecasts.
• Assess and manage supplier risk using established tools and methodologies, including supplier readiness assessments and financial risk monitoring.
• Manage raw material inventory levels for purchased components in alignment with program requirements and production schedules.
• Resolve supplier invoice discrepancies related to pricing and purchasing transactions.
• Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies, contractual obligations, and applicable aerospace and defense regulations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Purchasing.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a Buyer or similar procurement role.
• Experience purchasing direct materials, including composites and machined or formed metal components.
• Proven ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident due to program security clearance and/or regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience within the Aerospace and Defense industry, including familiarity with FAR and DFARS requirements.
• Knowledge of supplier development, strategic sourcing, and procurement best practices.
• Experience supporting complex manufacturing or production environments.
• Demonstrated project management and process improvement experience.
• Experience implementing cost reduction initiatives and supplier performance improvement programs.
• Understanding of procurement compliance, export controls, and contractual risk management.

Benefits

We offer fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities to be part of an organization at the cutting edge of our industry. With some of the best training on offer, we foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring everyone feels welcome to contribute. Our commitment to these values has earned us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.