Global Commodity Senior Buyer - Direct Material

The Role

As Senior Commodity Buyer – Defence AGS & Aircraft Systems, you will support strategic sourcing activities across the region and ensure maximum leverage of goods and services procured within your commodity. Reporting to the Global Commodity Manager, you will contribute to the development and execution of a global commodity strategy that ensures a capable, competitive, and cost‑effective supply chain.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy while being an integral part of the commodity management team. Your work will support multiple defence sites, programmes, and functions across the global GKN Aerospace network. The role is ideally based in Hoogeveen to provide full support to the site, but while also contributing to broader global initiatives and supporting other GKN sites.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Management

• Support the commodity team in achieving profit plan goals, including cost savings, working capital improvements, quality performance, supplier rationalisation, low‑cost sourcing, and other agreed objectives.


• Support the development and implementation of commodity strategies, including supplier selection, negotiation of terms and conditions, and internal communication on supplier performance and status.


• Take leadership when required for commodity activities, working closely with costing, engineering, and programme teams to drive competitive advantage.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage strategic supplier relationships, conducting regular performance reviews to ensure delivery, quality, cost, and risk requirements are met.


• Support supply base rationalisation and supplier development initiatives to strengthen capability and performance.


• Ensure synergies and best practices are leveraged across the global GKN network.

Programme & Business Support

• Develop supply chain solutions to support bids for new business or extensions of existing programme contracts.


• Prepare data and documentation for Make‑or‑Buy decisions and support relevant commodity gate reviews.


• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure supply chain capabilities and commercial terms are fully aligned with site and programme requirements.


• Contribute to cross‑site and cross‑programme commodity projects within the wider GKN Aerospace organisation.

What you bring

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, supply chain, business, or a related field.


• Significant experience in procurement or commodity management, ideally within aerospace, defence, or another high‑tech industry.


• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.


• Experience managing complex supplier networks and global supply chains.


• Ability to operate autonomously while contributing effectively to a team environment.


• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.


• Excellent command of English; Dutch is an advantage.


• Willingness to travel internationally when required.


• Eligibility to work on defence‑related programmes (security clearance may apply).

What we offer

• A strategic and impactful role within a global aerospace leader.


• The opportunity to shape the supply chain of key defence programmes.


• A dynamic, high‑tech environment with room for growth and development.


• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.


• A collaborative culture where innovation and teamwork drive success.


• A role based in Hoogeveen, with the opportunity to support other GKN sites worldwide.

Interested?

Are you ready to contribute to mission‑critical defence programmes and help build a world‑class global supply chain? We look forward to receiving your application.