Principal Buyer

Callen-Lenz

Principal Buyer managing procurement activities for UAS solutions at Callen-Lenz. Driving strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management while leading a team of buyers.

Posted 7/14/2026full-timeFonthill • 🇬🇧 United KingdomLead💰 £60,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation, with a strong focus on delivering commercial value and process efficiency. Proven ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders, and drive procurement governance and compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic SourcingSupplier Relationship ManagementContract NegotiationProcurement GovernanceStakeholder Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost AnalysisRisk AssessmentTender EvaluationPurchase Order PlacementPerformance ManagementNegotiation SkillsCommercial AcumenProcess ImprovementSupplier Performance MonitoringKPI Reporting

Soft Skills

LeadershipCoachingCommunicationInfluencingProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

CIPS Level 4CIPS Level 5/6

Industry Keywords

AviationEngineeringManufacturingProcurementSupply Chain

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead sourcing activity for complex or high-value goods, materials, components and services in line with commercial, operational and programme requirements.
Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies that enhance supply continuity, reduce risk and deliver measurable commercial value.
Take ownership of key supplier relationships, including performance management, contract compliance, escalation management and the delivery of supplier improvement plans.
Lead negotiations relating to contracts, pricing, service levels and terms of business using recognised procurement and commercial best practice.
Provide market intelligence, supplier insight and cost analysis to support informed decision-making, budget control and strategic planning.
Assess tenders and quotations and make robust recommendations based on commercial, operational, quality and risk considerations.
Support new product introduction, project delivery and operational initiatives by engaging stakeholders early and advising on procurement risks, opportunities and dependencies.
Identify and deliver cost reduction, value improvement and process efficiency initiatives across the supply base and wider procurement function.
Ensure the accurate and timely placement of purchase orders and contracts in accordance with negotiated terms and company policies.
Resolve supplier issues relating to price, quality, delivery, capacity or invoice discrepancies in a timely, professional and commercially appropriate manner.
Contribute to procurement governance, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement activities, including KPI performance monitoring and audit readiness.
Directly line manage Buyers and/or Junior Buyers, including allocation of workload, setting objectives, performance management, absence management, coaching and development.
Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and coaching to Buyers or Junior Buyers and support capability development across the team.
Where required, act as a workstream or functional lead on procurement initiatives and deputise for the Procurement Manager in agreed areas of responsibility.

Requirements

What you’ll need

GCSE or equivalent Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above
CIPS Level 4 minimum, with Level 5/6 or equivalent professional procurement qualification desirable
Relevant procurement, commercial or supply chain qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
Significant procurement and strategic sourcing experience, preferably within an aviation, engineering or manufacturing environment
Demonstrable experience of leading complex negotiations, managing key supplier relationships and delivering commercial outcomes
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse cost, risk, contractual exposure and supply market opportunities
Highly effective stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels across the business and supplier base
Excellent negotiation, communication, influencing and interpersonal skills
Analytical and numerically strong, with proven problem-solving, decision-making and prioritisation capability
Proven direct line management experience, including performance management, objective setting, coaching and developing team members.

Benefits

Comp & perks

25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
Pension Scheme via Royal London Company contributed
Share Incentive Plan
Green Car Scheme
Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary)
Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
Private Health Insurance via Bupa
Private Dental insurance via Bupa
Enhanced Maternity and paternity
1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
1 paid volunteering day per year
Access to an independent financial advisor year round
Training & development opportunities