Job Description:

Role: Senior Procurement Manager

Sector: Major Defence Manufacturing Programme

Location: East Midlands | Hybrid Working

Duration: 12 month+ Contract

About the Client

Our client is a leading international consultancy and delivery partner specialising in programme management, project controls, commercial management, cost consultancy and construction delivery services. Operating across major infrastructure, defence, transportation, manufacturing, aviation, energy and property sectors, the organisation supports some of the UK's most complex and high-profile capital investment programmes.

With a strong reputation for delivering large-scale projects from concept through to completion, the business provides integrated advisory and delivery solutions that help clients manage risk, optimise performance and achieve successful project outcomes. Their teams work collaboratively with public and private sector organisations, offering expertise in programme leadership, commercial strategy, cost management, procurement, planning and project governance.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to join a nationally significant defence infrastructure programme supporting the development of a major advanced manufacturing and production facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading procurement strategy, supply chain engagement and package procurement activities across a complex, high-value capital project. Working closely with programme leadership, commercial teams, technical specialists and delivery partners, the role will support the development and implementation of procurement solutions that maximise value, manage risk and ensure successful project delivery.

The position will play a key role during project development and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phases, helping to shape delivery strategies, market engagement activities and procurement packaging approaches.

This role is ideally suited to an individual with major project experience within defence, nuclear, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, rail or other highly regulated sectors.

Key Responsibilities

•  Lead the development and implementation of procurement strategies aligned with programme objectives.
• Support procurement planning across multiple project workstreams and contract packages.
• Develop procurement roadmaps, sourcing strategies and supply chain engagement plans.
• Provide strategic procurement advice to programme leadership and client stakeholders. 
• Lead market engagement activities and supplier qualification processes.
• Develop strong relationships with key contractors, consultants, manufacturers and specialist suppliers.
• Monitor market capacity, supplier performance and emerging procurement risks.
• Drive supply chain collaboration and innovation initiatives. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)
• Support procurement activities during ECI phases.
• Work closely with project and commercial teams to inform delivery models and packaging strategies.
• Support value engineering and cost optimisation initiatives through effective supply chain engagement.
• Collaborate with commercial and legal teams on contract strategy and risk allocation.
• Contribute to target cost development and commercial governance activities.
• Ensure procurement decisions support programme affordability and value-for money objectives. 
• Identify procurement risks, constraints and opportunities.
• Build strong working relationships with client teams, project leadership, commercial managers and delivery partners.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience leading procurement activities on major construction, infrastructure, engineering or industrial projects.
• Experience working collaboratively with project, commercial and technical teams

Desirable Experience 

• Defence, nuclear, aerospace, manufacturing, rail, utilities or energy sector experience.
• Experience supporting major projects during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phases.
• Experience procuring major construction, engineering, manufacturing or specialist equipment packages.
• Experience supporting projects valued in excess of £250 million.

Qualifications

• Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Commercial Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline.
• Membership of a recognised professional institution such as CIPS, RICS, CIOB or equivalent.

Security Requirements

• BPSS Clearance required or ability to obtain.
• Active SC Clearance highly desirable.