Job Title: Senior Buyer
Location: Rochester, Kent; Onsite.
Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 – This role is open to candidates at different experience levels, with a salary reflecting responsibility and seniority
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Job Description:
In this role, you’ll take ownership of the end-to-end procurement process, working closely with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure the efficient sourcing and delivery of goods and services. You’ll also play an important role in supporting procurement best practices, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, while collaborating with and supporting the wider procurement team.
Core duties:
- Negotiate terms, conditions, pricing, and contracts with suppliers
- Act as the main point of contact between suppliers and the business, building effective relationships
- Monitor budgets for purchase orders and identify opportunities for cost savings through effective negotiation
- Track supplier performance, communicate key KPIs, and address issues at a senior level
- Maintain accurate supplier order books and data in the Oracle ERP system
- Support the implementation of corporate procurement processes, including strategic supplier, sub-contract, and commodity management
- Coach and train junior staff on procurement processes and procedures, assist with audits and improvement plans
Essential Skills:
- Proven experience in buying, procurement and purchasing
- Experience in leading negotiations and managing supplier relationships
- HNC/HND in Business Studies or equivalent or CIPS qualified is advantageous
The Procurement Team:
Rochester is a diverse organisation with a global customer base producing commercial and defence electronics for high integrity controls, active inceptor systems, head-up displays, head-mounted displays, power and propulsion systems as well as an avionics market service centre.
We operate across the entire product lifecycle from cutting edge research to aftermarket support and have suppliers in Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka as well as across the UK.
We are experiencing significant growth with the work we are winning either critical to our national interest and security or essential to our business performance. As a result, the company is investing in our business with an extensive refurbishment of the whole site.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 10th July 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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