At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic defence sector environment.
- Company: A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation in the defence sector.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Eligible candidates must obtain UK Security Clearance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working on exciting projects in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in indirect procurement, especially in Facilities Management and Construction.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation operating within the defence sector is seeking an experienced Senior Indirect Procurement Specialist to join its Supply Chain team on a 12-month contract basis. This role will focus on the procurement and contract management of a broad range of indirect goods and services, supporting facilities, operational infrastructure and capital investment programmes. The successful candidate will work closely with Facilities, Engineering, Operations and Quality teams to deliver best-value procurement outcomes and manage key supplier relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional with a strong background in Facilities Management, Minor Works, Construction and CAPEX procurement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement activities from RFQ and tender issuance through to evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
- Manage a portfolio of indirect procurement projects across facilities, services and capital expenditure categories.
- Negotiate commercial terms and supplier agreements to achieve best value and mitigate risk.
- Manage supplier performance and contractual compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Support internal stakeholders with procurement strategy, sourcing activities and contract management advice.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal business partners.
- Identify commercial risks and ensure procurement activities comply with relevant policies and procedures.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain processes.
- Produce procurement reports and performance data to support business decision-making.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience in indirect procurement, including several of the following areas:
- Facilities Management procurement (Hard and Soft FM services).
- Minor Works projects, including refurbishment, fit-out and building improvement projects.
- Construction procurement and contractor management.
- CAPE procurement, including manufacturing equipment, machinery, infrastructure and technology investments.
- Contract negotiation, supplier relationship management and commercial management.
- Tendering, sourcing and procurement governance processes.
- Stakeholder management across multiple business functions.
- Strong analytical and commercial skills.
- Experience operating within a fast-paced procurement environment.
Desirable Experience
- New build construction projects and JCT contract exposure.
- Procurement within engineering, manufacturing, defence, aerospace or other regulated sectors.
- SAP or other ERP systems experience.
- MCIPS qualified or working towards qualification.
- Process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC). As a minimum, successful applicants will be required to undergo security screening and meet UK government vetting requirements.
Apply
If you are an experienced Indirect Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Purchasing Manager or Sourcing Manager with strong experience across Facilities Management, Minor Works, Construction and Capital Projects procurement, we would like to hear from you.
Senior Indirect Procurement Specialist employer: Butler Ross
Butler Ross is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and quality in the fast-paced electronics manufacturing sector. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and continuous improvement, all within the vibrant setting of North London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Indirect Procurement Specialist
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Indirect Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Butler Ross that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Butler Ross can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Butler Ross that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Butler Ross know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Ross
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
