Senior Subcontract Buyer

A leading defence organisation are seeking an experienced Senior Subcontract Buyer to join a high-performing procurement team in Edinburgh.

• Role: Senior Subcontract Buyer
• Duration: 6-month contract
• Pay: Up to -44 p/hr (Inside IR35)
• Location: Edinburgh (Hybrid)

As a Senior Subcontract Buyer, you''ll take responsibility for the end-to-end management of supplier and subcontractor relationships, ensuring continuity of supply across critical programmes.

You''ll play a critical role in ensuring key production materials, components, and services are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with demanding technical and contractual requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing supplier contracts and commercial agreements, including NDA''s, export licences, statements of work, and pricing agreements
• Leading RFQ activities, supplier sourcing exercises, and commercial evaluations
• Negotiating pricing, contractual terms, and delivery commitments to maximise value and minimise risk
• Managing purchase orders through SAP and ensuring audit-ready documentation is maintained
• Monitoring supplier performance, delivery schedules, and KPI compliance
• Escalating supply risks and driving resolution plans with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Supporting product cost reviews through pricing analysis and benchmarking activities
• Collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Materials, Manufacturing, and Programme teams
• Managing revenue forecasting, budgets, estimates to complete, and cost reduction initiatives
• Supporting internal and external audits with commercially compliant procurement documentation

This is an ideal role for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing or engineering environment and enjoys taking ownership of supplier performance, commercial negotiations, contract management, and material delivery across complex programmes.

Key Requirements:

• Manufacturing, Electronics, Defence, Aerospace, Engineering, or Complex Supply Chain experience
• Experience working as a Senior Buyer, Subcontract Buyer or Procurement Specialist
• Strong supplier management and contract administration experience
• Commercial negotiation expertise
• Solid understanding of contract terms and conditions
• Experience managing purchase orders and supplier performance within SAP or similar ERP systems
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities
• Knowledge of Export Control or Trade Compliance regulations
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programmes
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills

This a great opportunity to gain exposure to strategic sourcing activities, high value subcontract management and deal with complex supplier negotiations.

If you''re an experienced procurement professional local to Edinburgh, apply now!