Operational Buyer

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.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Operational Buyer to join our procurement team. The Operational Buyer will play a crucial role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials required for production, maintaining optimal inventory levels, and fostering strong relationships with suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of procurement processes, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

Procurement Planning:

Collaborate with production planners and other stakeholders to develop procurement plans that align with production schedules and inventory targets.
Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and components, and initiate purchase orders as needed to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing excess inventory.

Supplier Management:

Identify potential suppliers and conduct thorough evaluations to assess their capabilities, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure favourable agreements that meet quality and delivery requirements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and resolve any issues that may arise.

Purchase Order Processing:

Generate purchase orders accurately and efficiently, ensuring all necessary information is included and communicated to suppliers.
Monitor the status of purchase orders, track deliveries, and address any discrepancies or delays to minimize production disruptions.

Continuous Improvement:

Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency through data analysis and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Implement best practices and leverage technology solutions to enhance procurement operations and optimize inventory management.

Compliance and Risk Management:

Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to procurement activities.
Assess and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance, market fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions to minimize impact on production and business operations.

Qualifications:

Proven experience in procurement, preferably in a manufacturing or electrical assembly environment.
Strong negotiation skills with the ability to drive cost savings and value-added opportunities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving.
Knowledge of ERP systems and procurement software tools is preferred.
Understanding of electrical components and manufacturing processes is a plus.
Certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) is desirable