Junior Procurement Specialist

Salary: £35,000 up to £40,279 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: SC

Location: Gatwick (Aviation House – Hybrid – min. 2 days in the office)

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

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.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Procurement you will support the purchasing team to achieve its operational targets and delivery value for money. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the full end to end procurement lifecycle of purchasing goods and services across a broad range of categories with multiple values, up to current Public Procurement Regulations threshold.    

You will be working independently to lead on low, medium, and supporting some high value procurements in accordance with the CAA Procurement Policy and Public Procurement Regulations. As part of this role you will be supporting, advising, and guiding CAA colleagues on all matters related to Procurement (pre, during and post purchase).     

Core Accountabilities 

• Lead and manage the full procurement lifecycle for the acquisition of goods and services required across the CAA and its subsidiaries for low to medium spend levels up to the Public Procurement Regulations.  All spend shall be managed in accordance with the CAA Procurement Policy.
• Manage all phases of sourcing as required, including but not limited to market and sourcing analysis, stakeholder engagement, creation of quote/tender documents including specification drafting, management of competitive process, negotiations, contract implementation and contract management.
• Lead commercial evaluation of bids, including but not limited to price, assumptions, risks and terms and conditions.   
• Carry out contract renewals and competitive quote/tender exercises.
• To manage procurements successfully whilst achieving the most advantageous contracts for CAA that deliver value for money and reduce commercial risk. 
• Using CAA’s standard procurement templates (or alternative public sector frameworks), P2P and e-tendering systems during the procurement lifecycle.  
• Independently manage and complete all work-related administration, including but not limited to template completion, contract database updates, work in progress updates and contract drafting.
• Support and facilitate contract administration (e.g., change control), contract and supplier performance (e.g., key performance indicators, service reviews, disputes, and escalations). Support business colleagues in best practice supplier management.
• Analyse spend data to identify efficiencies or cost savings and implement as agreed with line manager. 
• To develop and sustain close working relationships (business partnering) with key business stakeholders, providing best practice and practical advice on all procurement matters, across all levels of the organisation.
• Identify new suppliers, tender, agree terms and negotiation supply agreements where appropriate including discount structures.  Monitor market trends and suppliers. 
• Work collaboratively to support or lead procurement activities or projects with either a direct Procurement Team member or wider business colleagues.  
• Lead and manage non-competitive requests (e.g., single tender actions, non-disclosure agreements, grant funding, Freedom of Information requests, spend reports, etc). 
• Provide ad-hoc support and cover for Procurement Officer function for absences.

About You

• Working towards MCIPS.
• Experience of public sector procurement (minimum 12 months).
• Experience of leading or supporting competitive exercises and evaluation of commercial bid aspects. 
• Experience of understanding and using public sector frameworks.
• Experience of leading or supporting supplier and contract management, particularly implementing and monitoring service level agreements, key performance indicators and financial management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisation skills.
• Comfortable working under pressure within strict deadlines.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

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 will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusive Recruitment

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process

We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. 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!

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: 7th April 2026

Interview Date: 10th, 14th, 15th and 16th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.