Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager - Defence

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager to join a leading organisation operating within a complex engineering and technology environment.

This position will take responsibility for procurement and subcontract management across a portfolio of technically complex products. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver robust commercial agreements, improve supplier performance, mitigate supply chain risk and ensure cost-effective delivery against programme requirements.

Role: Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager

Location: Bristol (hybrid working, 3 days onsite p/week)

Type: Permanent position

Security: Candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 (DOE) + benefits

Key responsibilities of the Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager role include, but are not limited to:

• Manage procurement and subcontract activities across a portfolio of complex engineering products, equipment and services.
• Identify, assess and select suppliers, considering commercial capability, financial stability, performance and wider supply chain risk.
• Lead and support supplier negotiations covering commercial agreements, pricing and contractual terms and conditions.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance to ensure contractual, quality, cost and delivery requirements are achieved.
• Work with key suppliers to identify performance improvements, efficiencies and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Partner with stakeholders across commercial, engineering and programme functions to develop appropriate procurement and supply chain solutions.
• Provide procurement input into bids, product development activities and engineering or programme changes.
• Proactively manage supplier delivery performance and resolve commercial or supply chain issues that could affect programme milestones.
• Support effective cost management, identifying opportunities to improve value and maintain budgetary control.
• Monitor procurement and supplier performance against agreed KPIs, highlighting risks and implementing appropriate mitigation plans.
• Develop and improve procurement processes and ways of working to enhance commercial and supply chain performance.

Key skills and experience required for the Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager role include, but are not limited to:

• Strong procurement, subcontract management or supplier management experience gained within a complex engineering, manufacturing or technology environment.
• Experience managing suppliers delivering technically complex products, equipment or services.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing and contractual terms and conditions.
• Proven experience managing suppliers across areas including cost, quality, delivery, performance and commercial risk.
• Ability to identify and mitigate supplier and supply chain risks.
• Experience working collaboratively with engineering, commercial, programme or project management stakeholders.
• Previous experience supporting bids, new product introduction, engineering change or similar project-based activities would be beneficial.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience within defence, aerospace, electronics, advanced engineering or another highly regulated environment would be advantageous.
• Previous exposure to UK defence or MOD procurement and supplier management processes would be beneficial but is not essential depending on wider experience.

To apply for this Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager / Procurement & Subcontracts Manager / Subcontracts Manager / Senior Buyer / Senior Procurement Manager / Supply Chain Manager / Supplier Manager / Supplier Relationship Manager / Commercial Procurement Manager opportunity, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and be able to meet the requirements for UK Security Clearance.