Senior Sub-Contract Buyer

Job Description:

Your impact

Working as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) procurement team, the Senior Sub-Contract Buyer will act as the Procurement interface within an Integrated Project Team (IPT) in the Future Combat Air (FCA) Line of Business (LoB) based at Capability Green, Luton.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the role interfaces with a variety of internal stakeholders and suppliers, managing a range of sub-contracts and supporting the business across bidding activities. As part of role, you will need to work collaboratively with several stakeholders across different functional disciplines as well as other Procurement colleagues across the Electronics & Cyber Divisions.

You will have experience and a good understanding of Procurement, ideally in the Aerospace and Defence Sector, and demonstrate the ability to work successfully within a multi-disciplined team.

Key accountabilities and responsibilities include:

• The generation of Procurement inputs to bids and business winning activities.
• Support to the implementation of GCAP Procurement strategy both within FCA and collaboratively within the Procurement teams across other Lines of Business (LoBs).
• Develop effective relationships with internal Stakeholders to influence successful outcomes.
• Support the translation of customer / project requirements into Procurement documents where required contractually or to support Life Cycle Management (LCM) governance.
• Procurement of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) items to support development projects.
• Develop and negotiate contracts for materials and sub-contracts using standard and non-standard formats.
• On contract delivery performance of direct suppliers.

What you’ll bring

• Strong and effective communication skills, with the ability to develop and nurture internal and external relationships, promote customer intimacy and team working.
• A record of accomplishment for delivering tangible materials
• Qualified to degree level or equivalent or significant relevant work experience (studying towards or achievement of MCIPS is preferred)
• A good understanding of the Commercial and Legal Aspects associated with contracting within the Defence/Aerospace industry or a similar market sector
• An ability to think ‘outside of the box’ offering solutions to enable the Procurement function to add value and innovation
• Ability to engage and influence cross-functional/cross site teams
• Good communication skills – written, oral and presentations.
• Stakeholders will be primarily be based within the UK, travel and overnights may be required at times with potentially a level of international travel as required.
• Presence, be it both within the office as well as at the supply base. Visibility is a key driver for this role to be a success.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

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