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 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Due to internal promotion, a vacancy has become available for a Programme Buyer to join our busy Procurement Department.
Based in our thriving East Cowes facilities, and reporting into the Procurement Operations Manager, this is an excellent opportunity for someone bright, confident, and switched on, preferably with some previous experience within Purchasing and Supply, to join a high-performing, dynamic team, and develop a rewarding career with a successful, growing international organisation. This role will offer the post holder high visibility within our organisation, with the opportunity for ongoing learning and further career development if they want it.
This role will require travel to supplier sites, both domestically and internationally (could be up to 20%), so a willingness and ability to travel is essential.
Typical responsibilities will include (but not be limited to):
- Reporting procurement activity and site reviews for the Programmes under their responsibility.
- Daily communication with internal customers and receiving areas
- Interface between programme and commodity management for new sourcing and change programmes in line with the group commodity strategy
- Supporting parts / supplier transfers and industrialisation (Major transfers)
- Parts / supplier transfers and industrialisation (Minor transfers) through to FAI
- Driving implementation of global / regional agreements within programme portfolio
- Transfer of parts from PO to Schedule including the negotiation of moving from Schedule to consignment / DLF etc
- PO demands placed upon suppliers to ensure that Key Objectives of cost, quality and delivery are secured
- Site procurement change control, export control and ITAR
- Delivery / maintenance / Integrity of site BOM
- Ensuring item / contract data is updated and maintained
- The flow down of enabled customer materials, pricing and skyline forecasts to Suppliers
- Developing and supporting site cost reduction opportunities and supplier development plans in-line with business requirements.
- Supplier risk including use of rate readiness templates and awareness of Dunn & Bradstreet for financials
Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate:
ESSENTIAL:
- Previous work experience gained within a similarly commercially focussed environment (Supply Chain administration/planning or Procurement roles would be ideal, but not essential);
- Strong, confident communicator, able to deal effectively with stakeholders at all levels; diplomatic, with the capability of having difficult conversations when required;
- Smart, switched on, with the ability to learn quickly;
- Organised, and able to follow a process;
- Natural problem solver;
- Computer literate; proficient in Microsoft Office; Excel, Outlook and Word;
- Willingness and ability for travel to supplier sites both domestically and internationally (could be up to 20%)
DESIRABLE:
- Degree Qualified;
- 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.
