Senior Buyer (Site)

GKN Aerospace is on the lookout for a Senior Buyer based in the UK to play a pivotal role in supporting our Phoenix, Arizona operation by working directly with UK and European suppliers.

While GKN Phoenix drives a complex global supply chain with substantial annual spend across the UK and Europe. With recent OEM growth, the need for stronger supplier oversight, faster issue resolution, and proactive performance management has never been greater.

This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to lead procurement operations closer to our supplier base, enhancing delivery, quality, and responsiveness through regular on-site engagement. If you’re ready to make a tangible impact on a global stage and take ownership of supplier relationships that drive excellence, this is your chance.

Own operational procurement and supplier performance for assigned suppliers supporting the Phoenix site

Act as the primary supplier interface, maintaining regular on-site presence and follow-up

Manage purchase orders, schedules, reschedules and commercial changes in line with MRP and production demand

Challenge suppliers constructively on delivery, responsiveness and execution

Lead supplier recovery and corrective action activities for delivery, quality and commercial issues

Support parts transfers, changes, and industrialization through First Article Inspection (FAI) to production

Partner closely with procurement, quality, engineering and operations teams across regions

Provide clear, fact-based communication on supplier risk, performance and improvement progres

High level of supplier interaction with clear ownership and accountability

Regular travel to supplier sites to drive performance and improvement first-hand

Direct impact on bottom line results through delivery stability, premium freight reduction and supplier capability

This is an rare opportunity to take on a senior, hands-on procurement role with real scope and influence. You’ll work closely with suppliers, have direct impact on operational performance and play a key role in supporting a fast-growing aerospace programme.

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

Proven experience in procurement, operational, commercial and or supply chain roles (typically 5+ years)

Experience working with a global supply chain

Strong understanding of MRP-driven manufacturing environments

Confidence challenging suppliers and driving corrective action

Comfortable working across time zones with international stakeholders

Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%

Aerospace or other regulated manufacturing experience

MCIPS or equivalent professional qualification

Experience supporting supplier performance improvement or development initiatives

Strong commercial and negotiation capability

Ability to interpret drawings and specifications

Initial onboarding in the UK, followed by 2–3 weeks in Phoenix, Arizona for on-the-job integration

Ongoing travel to UK/EU suppliers and periodic travel to Phoenix

International travel is required; a valid passport is essential

All business travel expenses are covered by the company