At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing high-value procurement for defence projects.
- Company: Dynamic defence organisation based in Bristol with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 21% bonus, pension, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Regular travel across the UK and Europe, with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with real impact on critical defence programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and team management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Based in Bristol
Salary up to £65,000 + 21% Bonus, Pension
Ready to step up from procurement into people leadership, or already leading a team and looking for a role with more weight behind it? This is a senior subcontracts and procurement management position on complex, high-value defence programmes.
You'll lead a team of procurement specialists managing subcontracts across the full lifecycle of in-service support projects, from tendering and negotiation through to contract execution and ongoing supplier management. It's a role with real commercial responsibility, negotiating terms and conditions with critical suppliers, resolving contractual disagreements, and safeguarding delivery on cost, quality and schedule for sophisticated sub-systems.
You'll work closely with technical and project teams at senior level, providing commercial guidance and managing risk and opportunity across multiple frameworks. Expect regular travel to suppliers across the UK and occasionally Europe.
What you'll need:
- Proven experience in procurement or subcontract management, ideally within defence, aerospace, or another regulated engineering sector
- Demonstrable line management experience, leading a team of procurement or commercial specialists
- Strong negotiation skills, with a track record of authoring and reviewing contracts and terms and conditions
- Experience of competitive tendering and supporting new business proposals
- CIPS or MCIPS qualification preferred, though not essential with strong subcontract management experience
- Comfortable balancing procedural rigour with commercial pragmatism
Security Clearance: Due to security requirements, you will need to hold current British citizenship (dual UK nationals with British citizenship also eligible).
Senior Procurement Manager in Stevenage employer: Cirrus Selection
Cirrus Selection is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive benefits and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for talented professionals to thrive in the field of network communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager in Stevenage
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Cirrus Selection.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Cirrus Selection:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cirrus Selection. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Cirrus Selection.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cirrus Selection
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Cirrus Selection!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Cirrus Selection. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Cirrus Selection's culture.
