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Introduction Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 500 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 22,000 people, with operations on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry mean we are able to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating the threats of tomorrow. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia. Saab is a company that offers our employees plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also recognise the need for a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff have the chance to live a fulfilling life beyond the workplace. Role Overview: The Strategic Buyer plays a crucial role in an electrical assembly manufacturing company operating in the defence industry. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this role is responsible for strategic procurement activities, with a focus on purchasing Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Printed Circuit Assemblies (PCAs), as well as machined and fabricated components. The Strategic Buyer collaborates with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of high-quality materials and components, while also driving supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing initiatives. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Procurement: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for PCBs, PCAs, and machined/fabricated components, considering quality, cost, and delivery requirements. Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting assessments and negotiations to establish favourable terms and agreements. Collaborate with engineering and design teams to support new product development and technology roadmaps through effective sourcing strategies. Stay updated with market trends, industry regulations, and emerging technologies related to PCBs, PCAs, and machining/fabrication. Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and provide feedback to suppliers to ensure adherence to quality, delivery, and cost targets. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, value engineering, and supplier-driven innovation. Resolve any supplier-related issues or disputes, working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve timely resolutions. Cost Management and Negotiation: Conduct cost analysis and market assessments to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate price increases. Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable agreements. Drive cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, alternate sourcing, and process optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as Engineering and Finance, to establish cost targets and monitor cost-saving initiatives. Supply Chain Optimization: Work closely with production planning, inventory management, and logistics teams to ensure material availability and optimize supply chain efficiency. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for lead time reduction, inventory optimization, and supply chain risk mitigation. Implement and maintain effective systems and processes for demand forecasting, materials planning, and supplier performance tracking. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline procurement processes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce cycle times. Required Skills and Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field. Proven experience as a Strategic Buyer or Purchasing professional in the defence industry, with a focus on PCBs, PCAs, and machined/fabricated components. Strong knowledge of the procurement process, strategic sourcing methodologies, and supplier management. Familiarity with defence industry regulations, standards, and quality requirements. Excellent negotiation and communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Analytical mindset with the ability to conduct cost analysis, market assessments, and supplier evaluations. Proficiency in using procurement and ERP systems for sourcing, purchasing, and data analysis. Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results in a fast-paced environment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic sourcing and procurement activities in the defence industry for an electrical assembly manufacturing company. The Strategic Buyer will play a critical role in ensuring the availability of high-quality materials and components, optimizing the supply chain, and driving cost savings initiatives while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Junior Buyer Location: Whiteley (Hybrid working), with regular travel to other Onecom offices, supplier and customer locations Salary: Competitive Hours: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm The task at hand: We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Junior Buyer who will play a key role in managing and analysing supplier and vendor relationships, ensuring quality products are delivered to our direct customer base for our Mobile product catalogue. Responsible for sourcing the best Mobile product suppliers, both in value and quality, to ensure we meet and exceed customer demands. What you'll be busy doing: Maintaining and updating our product portfolio by creating and de-activating inventory parts on CRM and EDI systems. Managing supplier relationships and ensuring quarterly reviews are conducted. Managing supplier performance based on quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness (QCDR) Regular research on market trends to ensure the latest technologies are being identified. Escalation of any inventory or supplier issues with Supply Chain Manager Inventory management to ensure stock arrives on time in full (OTIF) and to ensure any slow-moving items are moved on. Manage suppliers invoice queries and resolve in a timely fashion. Develop and maintain a preferred supplier list to ensure the best suppliers are being utilised. Support our Sales teams on customer visits when required, to offer product guidance and knowledge. Regular off-site visits to both suppliers and other Onecom offices. Develop and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) You'll be great in this role if: You have previous experience working in a similar purchasing role (essential) You can effectively negotiate and build strong relationships with suppliers (essential) You can work to strict deadlines and prioritise your own workload. You have excellent attention to detail and accuracy. You enjoy working with people and can communicate in an open, candid and consistent manner. You have a proven ability to work in a team environment and be able to build strong relationships at all levels. You have strong IT skills with the ability to use programs including Excel (VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables), Word, and other CRM systems. CIPS level 4 qualification (desirable) Onecom Perks and Benefits: Agile working: Enabling our people to work where they work best, using our Agile Working Policy Holidays: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and the option to Buy/Sell 5 days a year Birthday Break: Day off for your birthday, during your birthday month MyTime: 12 paid hours a year to use for early finishes, appointments, or longer lunch breaks Electric Car Scheme: Purchase a brand-new electric car through our EV Scheme Wellbeing: Discounted Gym membership, free online workouts, subsidised Fitbit, Cycle to work scheme, Free breakfast & fresh fruit in our offices, Eye-care vouchers, Financial Wellbeing support Pension: We offer 9% combined pension contribution Lifestyle: 4 x Salary life assurance, Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 access to Mental Health support Parental Leave: Enhanced Parental Leave policy (based on length of service), whether you or your partner are giving birth, going through surrogacy or adoption Rewards: Quarterly employee reward programme and annual awards Referral Incentive: You'll receive a bonus for each successful friend or family member you refer Socials: Work hard and play hard with our all-expenses paid company events and parties Foundation: Get involved in fundraising activities and events for our Charity partners Academy: Limitless professional development with access to our in-house training academy Who we are Onecom is the recognised provider of Communication Technology, trusted by UK Organisations to deliver unparalleled expertise and simply brilliant customer experiences to more than 800,000 Corporate citizens globally. We've built an award-winning team of 650 ambitious, inspiring and innovative individuals. We're driven by our pride in our brand and our dedication to create a market-leading environment where our people can be the best version of themselves. Want to join our journey? Apply Now. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Onecom wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in our Equal Opportunities Policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate understanding of the make-up of our talent pools in encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion. We ask candidates to complete our equality monitoring form as part of the application process. Responses are anonymous and the data gathered will be used to inform our future initiatives. Notice to Recruitment Agencies Onecom operates a direct sourcing model and does not accept speculative CVs