Buyer reference: 1259115801

Opportunity Review: Buyer - Specialist Procurement (Defence & Engineering)

This Buyer role at Babcock International presents a compelling opportunity for procurement professionals looking to contribute to a sector of national importance. Located in Ruislip, West London, with attractive hybrid working arrangements, this position offers a chance to shape the future of specialist procurement within the defence and engineering industries.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Buyers:

• Impactful Work: You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the procurement of critical assets for specialist vehicles and equipment. This work directly supports essential services and contributes to national security, offering a profound sense of purpose.
• Career Development in a Vital Sector: This role provides an excellent platform to build and advance your career in the dynamic defence, aerospace, and engineering sectors. These industries are not only exciting but are crucial for public safety and security, offering long-term career prospects.
• Comprehensive Procurement Lifecycle Experience: You'll gain hands-on experience managing the entire procurement process, from initial requisition through to delivery, including tendering, spot buying, and contract negotiation. This holistic exposure is invaluable for professional growth.
• Supplier Relationship Management: A significant part of the role involves negotiating contract terms and cultivating strong relationships with key suppliers. This is a critical skill that will enhance your commercial acumen and networking capabilities.
• Commitment to Improvement: The opportunity to lead process improvements to drive efficiency and compliance across procurement means you can actively contribute to the strategic development of the department and demonstrate leadership potential.
• Flexible Working: Babcock offers flexible hybrid working arrangements, acknowledging the importance of work-life balance. This allows for a more adaptable approach to your work week.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Beyond a competitive salary, the role includes a comprehensive benefits package, featuring a generous holiday allowance, matched pension contributions, life assurance, access to digital health services, an employee share scheme, and an employee savings portal. The inclusion of professional fee payments and options for holiday trading and "Be Kind Day" further enhance the overall employee value proposition.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Security Clearance: A significant requirement for this role is the ability to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Candidates should be aware of the implications of national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions, which can be influenced by factors such as place of birth, nationality, and residency history. Potential applicants are encouraged to research the UK government's guidelines on security vetting.
• Fixed-Term Contract: This is a full-time, fixed-term contract position for 12 months. Candidates should assess their career goals and alignment with a contract-based role.
• Essential Experience: While educational background is flexible, demonstrable experience in procurement or acquisition, a strong understanding of supplier contracts and negotiation, commercial awareness, and excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are essential. Candidates who can showcase a willingness to learn will also be considered.
• Pace and Demands: The role operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Candidates should be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding workload.

Career Path Guidance:

For individuals seeking to establish or elevate their career in procurement within a critical and stable sector, this role is an exceptional stepping stone. The experience gained in managing complex procurement processes, negotiating with suppliers, and contributing to process improvements will provide a robust foundation for future roles in procurement leadership, strategic sourcing, or category management, particularly within government, defence, and large-scale engineering organizations. The exposure to specialized defence procurement will be highly advantageous for long-term career progression.