Category Specialist

Job Description:

Salary Range: £44,000 - £55,000

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your impact

We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Professional to join Leonardo Helicopters as a Category Specialist, within the Avionic category.

As a Procurement Category Specialist you will, primarily and in support of all Leonardo Helicopters platforms and all the geographical locations , lead negotiations and manage contracts with suppliers.

We can offer you the opportunity to play a leading part in strategic supplier relationships, which are key to the successful performance of specific programmes within Leonardo Helicopters.

Within this role, you could have the opportunity to travel and there will be a mix of onsite and remote working.

For the awareness of internal applicants: this role is offered at a JFF level 5, progressing to a level 6 on completion of a structured development plan.

What you will do as Procurement Category Specialist:

You will play a key role within the Avionics category, leading end-to-end strategic, commercial, and operational procurement activities. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing category strategies and conducting market scouting activities
• Submitting strategies and new selection to Leoanrdo Helicopters leadership for approval;
• Leading sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract development, and relationship management
• Overseeing development of new avionic equipment ensuring adherence to company's objectives
• Managing budgets and driving cost control initiatives
• Overseeing contract management and ensuring effective contract execution

You will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver value, mitigate risk, and support business objectives across the procurement lifecycle.

What you’ll bring

• Relevant procurement or commercial experience with proven examples of performance improvement against core objectives (e.g. cost reduction, schedule adherence, lead time reduction etc.)
• Experience of negotiation, agreement and management of contracts for complex contracts
• Degree / HNC in Business Management or Engineering (or equivalent) and/or MCIPS Corporate qualification or relevant experience within the Defence/Aerospace Sector or wider industry
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English
• A proven ability to influence internally and externally and solve problems using own initiative
• A proven ability to summarize and report programmatic and contractual status to Leadership
• Advanced team working skills and capable of co-ordinating multi-functional team activity
• Proven ability to work in international markets.
• Able & willing to travel alone or as part of a team within the UK and overseas

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: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location:

GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid