Job Description

Working within the Safran UK Purchasing team, the Operational Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the development and implementation of commodity strategies to ensure the lowest total cost of acquisition is achieved for all Business Units.

You'll drive & encourage the use of supplier relationship management tools and techniques to leverage group spend, and lead on departmental adherence to policies; procedures; processes; risk; and compliance, whilst achieving departmental objectives.

You'll get to work with a diverse team on a range of interesting projects, make a tangible impact on our success and play a pivotal role in the future of our business. With continued investment in our site, you'll be able to learn, grow and develop your skills with a global leading aerospace business. There's never been a more exciting time to join the team!

What will I be doing?

As Operational Purchasing Manager, you'll manage a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers to drive & encourage the use of supplier relationship management tools and techniques to leverage group spend, and lead on departmental adherence to policies; procedures; processes; risk; and compliance, whilst achieving departmental objectives.

You will also be responsible to managing the Tactical and Transactional activities of the team ensuring excellent customer service is provided to stakeholder across multiple business units.


Key Responsibilities & Duties include:

• Develop, motivate and performance manage the Operational Purchasing team on a day to day basis in the achievement of agreed personal development plans and business objectives.
• Deliver improvements in cost and service levels from indirect suppliers to Safran UK business units, and project manage complex projects and people resources.
• Develop strategies for Indirect spend, ensuring full alignment with the needs of UK businesses.
• Manage strategic and Operational negotiations and where appropriate negotiate directly with suppliers. Support Buyers and Commodity Managers as required in key negotiations.
• Work closely with Global Purchasing Team, Commodity Managers, Global Purchasing Team, and Safran UK Finance Department

Job Requirements

What do I need to succeed in this role?

• Significant Purchasing experience in a Manufacturing / Engineering environment.
• Excellent project management skills, coupled with analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Confidence and personal credibility.
• Demonstrable cross Functional Team working and negotiation skills.
• MCIPS qualified


At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.

We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experiences relevant to the requirements of this role.

We will consider all applicants who meet the minimum requirements regardless of their age, identity or background.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please get in touch for an informal chat. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.

Please apply by uploading a CV, and if your experience matches what we're looking for, one of our recruitment team will give you a call.

Offers of employment will be subject to a relevant level of company security vetting, which may include a criminal record check.

Join Safran and discover what we could achieve, together!

But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)

Looking after our team is important to us. We offer a wide range of benefits to suit you:

• 4.5 day's week, with Friday afternoons off
• 25 days holiday + UK Bank Holidays, with option to buy additional days
• Annual bonus & share scheme options
• Generous pension scheme (9% employer contribution, rising to 10% if you contribute 5% or more)
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Onsite parking, including EV chargers, subsidised restaurant, bicycle storage and shower facilities
• Plus, a wide range of flexible benefits

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.