Assistant Buyer – 12 month FTC

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Buyer – 12 months FTC

Location: Rochester – Online

Salary: £25,750+ depending on skills and experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

The Assistant Buyer is responsible for supporting colleagues with the placement of Purchase Orders, and the maintenance of these Orders in accordance with Procurement procedures and processes. They will maintain effective relationships with suppliers, internal project teams and functions to ensure the timely receipt of material to meet the requirements of the business.

Core duties:

• You will receive requisitions and demands, support negotiation with suppliers, and process Purchase Orders and Purchase Order amendments in accordance with Procurement processes and procedures, and the requirements of the business
• You will understand the budget requirements for the Purchase Orders they are assisting with, and to support achievement of these requirements through effective negotiation with suppliers
• You will obtain and communicate progress updates from suppliers in an effective manner, and be capable of resolving issues in a satisfactory manner. To understand when to escalate more critical issues to senior members of staff
• You will maintain Supplier open order books and ensure that correct and current data is maintained in the Oracle ERP system
• You will process supplier returns, ensuring these are actioned in a timely manner
• You will understand and support the implementation of corporate Procurement processes and initiatives as appropriate to their area of responsibility
• You will support other members of the Procurement Team as required in their daily responsibilities

Essential Skills:

• You will have a HNC/HND in Business Studies or equivalent
• You will have a good level of computer literacy
• You will have good communication skills
• You will work effectively in a team environment

The Procurement Team:

The Procurement function is the trusted partner in providing best value solutions for the business; managing supplier relationships, determining capable sources that offer innovative technical solutions, placement of orders for goods and services, and the maintenance of these orders governed by procedures and processes. As part of a wider Supply Chain Management organisation the Procurement function acts as the focal point for all interactions between the business and our global supply chain.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 24th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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