Purchasing Specialist

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Hybrid
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the Procurement Specialist role is responsible for supporting the business with the purchase of any goods and services required from low to high value. The role provides support to our colleagues through the entire purchase to pay life cycle, ranging from identifying a need, sourcing, contract award and through to contract and supplier management.
We're looking for two full-time permanent generalists to join us and to manage the full end to end sourcing and procurement of goods and services across a broad range of categories, such as professional services, consultancy, information technology and research.
Lead low to high value procurements across a broad range of goods and services, including consultancy, professional services, research and technology.
Ensure all procurements are performed compliantly in accordance with CAA's Procurement Policy and external legal requirements including but not limited to; Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
Management of contract renewals, contract changes, supplier performance and contractual disputes.
Support CAA colleagues in effective contract management.
Be an internal advocate for Procurement including leading monthly Procurement business partnering meetings with key allocated internal clients to support current and existing purchasing needs.
Attend and represent Procurement on internal governance and project meetings.
Extract and analyse spend and contract data from CAA's systems as required to fulfil duties under this role.
Lead and or assist on projects or initiatives.
Demonstrable experience of working in public sector procurement with a good knowledge and working experience of the Public Sector procurement requirements such as Public Contracts Regulations and Procurement Act 2023).
Knowledge of financial procedures including price, cost and bid analysis.
Contract management experience, understanding SLAs/KPIs and applying these in contract management, dispute resolution, financial management and reporting.
Knowledge of SAP Business By Design (P2P system) and Delta (eSourcing tool) would be great but not essential.
The level of diversity in the work means that every day is different which provides a fantastic opportunity and experience. Working a small and friendly team, there are opportunities to collaborate on procurements, share knowledge and support team members to deliver best practice and value.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years' time. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.
We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.
We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.
We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more
Interview Date: w/c 5th January 2026
No recruitment agencies please.