Introduction
Saab UK is a British company that is part of Saab Group’s global high-technology operations. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space and civil security. In the UK we bring together the best of Swedish and British innovation and engineering to provide our customers with products and solutions that push boundaries for what is considered technically possible. Our mission is to help our customers to keep people and society safe.
Our Saab UK business is going through a period of rapid growth, this means that we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK Ltd combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Across the country we have seven principle sites which focus on software engineering, underwater robotics, training services and radars. Globally we number over 22,000 employees and have operations on all continents. Technologically we are leaders in many areas, and we reinvest a high proportion of our earnings in internal research and development. We collaborate with colleagues around the world who all share our challenge – to make the world a safer place.
Saab is a company with opportunities, a company where we see diversity as an asset and where you have both considerable responsibility as well as good opportunities for advancing in your career. Additionally, Saab is a company that respects each person’s needs for a rewarding life beyond work.
Job Purpose:
The Strategic Buyer plays a crucial role in guiding the company in sourcing products that align with strategic goals and objectives. They will build a deep understanding of specific commodity groups and will provide recommendations on best practices for supply chain management. Working closely with various departments such as Engineering, Project Management, and Manufacturing, the Strategic Buyer will ensure a timely and efficient flow of materials to support projects and manufacturing schedules. Responsibilities include identifying preferred suppliers, submitting RFQs, analysing bids, and placing purchase orders within budget constraints. This position is a key member of the Strategic Purchasing team.
Job Specific accountabilities and responsibilities:
Act as the Strategic Purchasing representative for project teams, working as an integral part of project work groups from the initial stages of development, to guide and support Project/Engineering decisions commercially. Identify purchasing requirements and highlight supply risks.
Work closely with Engineering and Project Management to identify supplier risks and manage mitigating actions to ensure commercially viable continuity of supply throughout the project and product life cycle.
Maintain the programme BoMs with purchasing information to ensure all parts are dealt with in a timely manner; drive in conjunction with engineering the drawing release process with dates to maintain project timings
Work with the programme team (Engineering, Quality) to communicate & improve, as required, delivery dates for project phases.
Identify potential new suppliers and head up commercial activities throughout the supplier selection process.
Strong supplier relationship management, developing a competent network of capable suppliers and partners to support a dynamic, agile and lean environment
Negotiate contractual terms with suppliers as required; support the implementation of Long Term Agreements (LTA) for strategic commodity groups
Oversee the activities required to formally hand over the day to day management of suppliers to the Manufacturing organisation in line with business processes.
Identify Supplier cost savings including VA (Value Added) & VE (Value Engineering) initiatives
Support the ongoing development of the supply chain strategy.
Support other members of the Strategic Purchasing team when required.
Required Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
A critical thinker and problem solver;
Reliable & Flexible in their approach;
Procurement experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer preferably within a Supply Chain function;
Proven ability to self-manage & deliver on time to budget;
Experienced in managing, interpreting and analysing purchasing data with good PC skills.
Confident with use of MRP systems and Microsoft office (Excel & PowerPoint);
Confident and professional manner in dealing with suppliers and internal customers;
CIPS qualified or part qualified an advantage
Ability to Travel – UK
General accountabilities and responsibilities:
To act ethically, with integrity and in the best interest of the business at all times
To maintain a professional and supportive relationship with team members and other departments in order to deliver business objectives or deadlines.
To carry out any other duties as detailed by a member of the management team or authorized representative.
To ensure that the working area is a clean and safe environment in compliance with our Health and Safety policies and to report any potential Health and Safety hazards or violations to your supervisor/ line manager or directly to the QHSE manager.