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.How you'll contribute: 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 What makes this role different 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. 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% Desirable 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 Onboarding & travel 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 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. Competitive salary dependent on experience Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we'll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis Life Assurance 8 x salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays Flexible working h