Buyer

Thompson Aero; Portadown; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace component supplier in Northern Ireland is seeking a Buyer to manage purchasing and supplier relationships. Ideal candidates will have previous buying experience, strong IT and MRP skills, and be able to work collaboratively with stakeholders. Responsibilities include planning and organizing parts procurement, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring supplier performance aligns with company standards. This role offers a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and several attractive benefits including health plans and pension schemes.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus linked to company performance

33 days annual leave

Flexi time working

Employee referral bonus

Health cash plan

Pension Scheme

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

IVF & Assisted Conception Policy

Wellbeing Initiatives

Employee Recognition scheme

Discounted Gym membership

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy Buyer role or equivalent.
• Strong IT capabilities are essential.
• Experience in Engineering or Aerospace sectors is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule parts from approved suppliers.
• Build strong relationships with specified suppliers.
• Ensure inventory levels are managed effectively.

Skills

Teamwork & Collaboration

Problem solving and decision making

Excellent IT Skills

Customer focused

Resilience

Accountability & responsibility

Education

GCSE Level, Grades A*-C (including Maths & English)

Third level qualification in a supply chain related discipline

HND/ILM

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

The post holder will be responsible for planning, organising,scheduling, and purchasinga portfolio of parts from approved suppliers in accordance with established procedures to ensure consistency of supply whilst managing inventory levels. Build strong collaborative relationships with specified suppliers and deliver consistent performances on delivery and quality.Hours of work: Mon-Thurs 07:30-16:00& Fri 07:30-13:30

Responsibilities

• Build and develop strong long-lasting collaborative relationships with the suppliers
• Implement proactive approach and effective communication with the key internal stakeholders
• Organise and schedule parts and materials from a global supply chain to ensure all customer demand is satisfied in accordance with the required business delivery plan
• Communicate planning schedules through effective and efficient order book management with assigned suppliers in line with agreed procedures
• Expedite purchased parts as and when required to support production requirements
• Liaise with Quality department to ensure supplier rejections are promptly dealt with
• Manage goods sent out for rework through agreed company process
• Maintain daily and weekly key performance indictors against assigned suppliers and MRP system
• Monitor performance of the suppliers and elevate promptly and accordingly any non- conformances to the material planning team lead
• Liaise with Category managers to ensure suppliers cancellations are actioned and closed accordingly and performance communicated
• Hold regular review meetings with suppliers within own area of responsibility to ensure alignment
• Carry out any other tasks necessary for the smooth running of the operational purchasing department
• Support the team by stepping in when required to address ad hoc or higher demand in other categories/arrears
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company procedures.

Reward

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
• 37.5 hours per week
• Flexi time working
• £5,000 employee referral bonus
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - Corportate Member
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Employee Recognition scheme
• Long Service Awards
• Local charity /sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career progression

Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience in a busy Buyer role (or equivalent)
• Knowledge of MRP systems
• Excellent IT Skills
• Educated to GCSE Level, Grades A*-C, or equivalent (including Maths & English)
• Problem solving and decision making
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Resilience
• Accountability & responsibility
• Customer focused (internal and external)

Desirable

• 3+ years’ experience of /Buyer role in an Engineering or Aerospace company
• HND/ILM
• Third level qualification in a supply chain related discipline

We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 1st February 2026 at 17:00.

For further information contact [e-mail]