Lead Buyer

The Opportunity

There is an opportunity to join the UK IM Procurement team and influence MBDA UK’s outsourcing strategy for the next 10 years. We are looking for a highly skilled Lead Buyer with IT procurement experience, who is comfortable working in an international team and excited by the challenge of changing ways of working.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally degree calibre (demonstrated through education, professional qualifications or experience)
• Procurement professional with experience in IT, ideally in procuring IT services.This experience should be demonstrated through having multiple examples of supplier management; competition planning and delivery; and contract negotiation.
• Well-developed soft skills – communication and relationship building, ideally in an international context
• Ability to understand risks and put in place appropriate mitigation actions
• Energetic and agile thinker who is able to challenge the norm and create solutions that deliver the right business outcomes

What’s in it for you?

• Ability to create lasting business impact
• Working within an international team, there are opportunities for sharing best practice internationally, working on international projects and to travel across the MBDA sites in Europe
• Working as part of a growing and highly skilled indirect procurement team
• Opportunities for career progression within a developing function
• Training opportunities through the newly formed Procurement and Supply Chain Academy

What would you get?

• Competitive salary, flexible working, paid overtime (subject to level), a comprehensive pension scheme, employee funded voluntary private healthcare, sporting activities, fantastic site facilities, bonus schemes (subject to level), superb learning and development opportunities and more….

The Role

• Responsible for procurement of IT outsourced services at the optimum price, delivery and quality with the purpose of maximizing operational efficiency whilst contributing to company savings targets
• Developing and implementing procurement strategies, specifically for Front Office and Back Office IT services
• Leading multi functional teams in the running of procurement activities – resolving potentially conflicting needs
• Working with and influencing internal stakeholders from scoping and defining service needs (eg through SLAs) through to negotiation and subsequent supplier management
• Identifying and testing suppliers who are capable of meeting the company needs and identifying to the business supplier capabilities that could improve outcomes

What’s great about the team?

• The IM procurement team is an excellent mixture of experienced and developing professionals located in UK, France and Italy
• The team is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, placing great value on sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas;
• The team covers a broad range of topics, with a wide range of contracts ranging from short turnaround low value to strategically important service contacts.
• The team works with a wide range of stakeholders, based both in the UK and in the rest of the group, including the small UK legal team.
• The team successfully delivers the service levels and the cost optimisation required by the business within a supportive environment where team spirit is highly valued

Please Note: MBDA UK requires all employees to achieve and maintain SC security clearance or above without restrictions that will inhibit the individual’s ability to fulfil the requirements of the role. Your eligibility for the appropriate level of security clearance may be discussed with you during the recruitment process. Any existing clearance holders may be able to transfer clearance (subject to approval).

Are you a member of LinkedIn?  If so, you are invited to join our LinkedIn Group to view future MBDA UK opportunities and news.  LinkedIn Group name: Engineering UK (Defence)