Procurement Specialist - Defense

Procurement Specialist - Defence

You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a sole British Citizen to apply for this role with us and based in the UK.

Company Description

Our client is passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for their clients, helping their people to realise their potential, and doing their part to create a prosperous society. Every day they help their major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 110 offices worldwide.

The client has a wide range of key clients in various sectors, including but not limited to: Health, Local Authorities, Higher Education, Highways, Utilities, Rail, and Defence. Our diverse portfolio of clients provides our team members with unique and rewarding opportunities to gain experience across a broad range of major programs and projects.

They are a key Tier 1 supplier of Commercial and Cost Management, and Procurement services to both public and private organisations within the Defence sector. We play a crucial role in supporting the Defence of the United Kingdom, whilst ensuring our clients achieve better outcomes.

Job Description

Role Overview:

We are currently seeking skilled Procurement Specialists / Managers interested in working within the UK Defence Sector to be part of our growing Defence Team. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to be involved in and contribute to some of the most exciting and interesting challenges that face the UK Defence Sector today, in both the public and private sector. The role is a flexible working role, with 60% of your time working from a client site.

We are looking for experienced and passionate individuals to join our organisation who have a positive outlook, are seeking development opportunities for their career both personally and professionally and have a solid foundation of technical understanding and experience. As a candidate for this role, you will not only have extensive and varied procurement and commercial experience built from a career in the Defence Sector (or a similar, relevant and regulated sector), you will also want to be part of a high-functioning team focused on delivering world-class outcomes to our ever-growing network of clients.

Job Objectives:

1. Providing specialist procurement strategy, advice, and guidance to public and private sector Defence clients.
2. Identifying, sourcing, and acquiring goods and/or services, ensuring that procurement activities adhere to relevant Public Sector and regulatory requirements.
3. Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with project objectives and client policies.
4. Preparing and developing tender packs and delivering a tendering process, working in a strategic procurement environment.
5. Negotiating, supporting, developing, drafting, and awarding contracts (and contract changes) either individually or as part of a team.
6. Managing strategic supplier relationships.
7. Collaborating with a team on end-to-end procurement services for major projects or programmes.

Qualifications:

1. Proven track record in procurement within defence, construction, or infrastructure industries.
2. Extensive experience of Procurement, Contract Management, and/or Contract Placement (sourcing) in sole source and competitive markets.
3. In-depth knowledge and experience of New Engineering Contract (NEC3/NEC4) and/or Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contract frameworks.
4. A background in UK Government procurement processes, such as Qualifying Defence Contracts (QDC), Defence and Security Public Contracting Regulations (DSPCR) and Public Contract Regulations (PCR).
5. Experience in delivering service quality to clients and/or customer (internal or external) and may be responsible for dealing regularly with stakeholders on complex, controversial and contentious issues.
6. Experience in chairing internal and external meetings involving senior stakeholders.
7. Proven negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of liaising with diverse stakeholders.
9. A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
10. Excellent organisational and time management skills.
11. A Degree (or other professional qualification) in Commercial Management, Business, Law, Project Management, or a similar relevant discipline.
12. Holds or is working towards a formal professional qualification such as CIPS.

You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a sole British Citizen to apply for this role with us and based in the UK.