Senior Buyer (Site) (Papendrecht, NL)

GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace

Accounting & Finance

Posted on Sep 10, 2026

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

You’ll be responsible for the end to end management of our suppliers including taking the lead on our sourcing strategy, supplier sourcing and on boarding, supplier performance and purchasing negotiations. You’ll have a strong focus on managing a portfolio of suppliers to reduce risk and optimise cost.

You'll work closely with the commodity management team based in Papendrecht to deliver cost-effective solutions that align with the specific needs of sites and programs, contributing to value generation across GKN Aerospace.

Job Responsibilities

  • Second escalation level for all logistical performance.
  • Setting-up and monitoring improvement plans with suppliers.
  • Supplier development plans in-line with business requirements
  • Implement advanced logistics programs (f.e. VOI/VMI).
  • Set-up and maintain working capital purchased parts management plan.
  • Set-up and maintain global Purchasing procedures, work-instructions and processes.
  • Coaching, training and supporting Operational Purchasers in the sites.
  • Coordinating first material availability for new programs and development programs.
  • Monitoring item data set-up in the ERP system.
  • Sending out RFQ’s and assess quotations to solve shortage situations.
  • Support FCR change process.
  • Execute vendor rating / Supplier Excellence Program
  • Perform on-site supplier assessments.Periodically analyze non-moving inventory.

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor degree in relevant field (Supply Chain Management / Technical Business Administration)
  • Knowledge of Purchasing processes, MRP planning methodologies / forecasting / advanced logistics programs.
  • Good interpersonal, presentation and data analytic skills
  • Fluent English, spoken and written.
  • Min. 4 years of relevant working experience in a purchasing / supply chain function in a production Experienced in developing and performing supplier assessment, KPI tracking , and
    leading improvement activities with suppliers.
  • Experienced in working with ERP systems / planning systems

What's in it for you?

Our organization demonstrates passion for innovation and our employees are rightly proud for what we engineer and build. This is truly a challenging work environment: a role where you contribute as an individual but also as a member of a diverse and international team of experts. At GKN Aerospace, we not only provide you with the tools to perform at the best of your capabilities, but we also support and promote your technical and personal development.

Furthermore, we offer to you:

  • A gross monthly salary based on the CLA Metalektro Grade L1 and in line with your experience and qualifications,
  • 8% holiday allowance,
  • 42 paid holidays for full-time employment,
  • Working conditions according to the CLA Metalektro, including an excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance,
  • A pleasant and informal working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers in a pleasant atmosphere.

Next to a competitive package, we will offer you a world of opportunities: we want to see your career fly! We will support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That's the beauty of being part of a global business, once you are on board, you never know where your career journey may take you!

How to apply?

Please apply online by sending us your CV and motivation letter. Due to data privacy reasons we do not handle any applications sent by email.

For additional questions you can contact: Koen van Stigt, Talent Acquisition, via email –Koen.vanStigt@Fokker.com

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​
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