Procurement Lead

Procurement Lead

Date: Aug 7, 2026

Location: El Cajon, CA, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

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 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The Sr. Buyer/Planner is responsible for planning and procurement execution to ensure material availability, inventory control, and supplier performance in support of production and customer requirements. 
This role supports a structured, data-driven supply chain through effective use of ERP/MRP systems, strong planning discipline, and clear supplier coordination.

Job Responsibilities

Planning, Procurement & Supply Alignment
• Plan and execute purchasing activities to support production and customer demand 
• Use ERP/MRP systems to manage supply requirements based on forecast and consumption 
• Maintain planning parameters (lead times, reorder points, min/max levels, order quantities) 
• Identify and escalate supply risks, shortages, and demand changes 

Inventory Management
• Manage inventory levels to balance availability, operational risk, and working capital 
• Monitor and act on shortages, excess, and slow-moving inventory 
• Support visibility and control of consignment inventory where applicable 
• Contribute to improved inventory accuracy and planning effectiveness 

Supplier & Order Execution
• Manage purchase orders, supplier commitments, and delivery performance 
• Follow up on order acknowledgements, lead times, and delivery schedules 
• Communicate demand requirements and priorities clearly to suppliers 
• Support resolution of supplier issues and escalations 

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
• Analyze supply and planning issues and support corrective actions 
• Contribute to improvements in planning accuracy, data quality, and supplier performance 
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Finance to support business needs 

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field, or equivalent experience in a manufacturing environment 
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, planning, or supply chain within manufacturing 
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred) 
• Understanding of inventory planning concepts (lead times, reorder points, min/max, batch sizing) 
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills 
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment 
• Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder due to program security clearance requirements and/or SSA requirements 
• Proficiency in English (verbal and written) sufficient to follow safety procedures, policies, and operational documentation 
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in manufacturing or aerospace MRO environment 
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA 
• Familiarity with planning, forecasting, and inventory control processes 
• APICS or MCIPS qualification

Compensation Range

The compensation range for this position is between $84,172 - $105,215

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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Nearest Major Market: San Diego