At a Glance
- Tasks: Tackle complex sourcing challenges in Defence and Security while driving innovative solutions.
- Company: Join a leading consulting firm dedicated to positive human impact and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health perks, generous leave, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for community involvement and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Defence by shaping procurement strategies and delivering impactful results.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.
Our Sourcing, IT Strategy & Corporate Services capability are looking for a Sourcing and Procurement Consultant. You will support the continued growth of our Defence Supply Chain business, delivering high-impact consulting projects, and shaping the future of our practice. You will work closely with clients across the Defence sector to understand their needs and challenges, develop innovative strategies, and implement solutions that drive real business value.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Work on some of the most significant and complex sourcing challenges facing public and private sector organisations in the UK and internationally.
- Provide a range of strategic advice from transforming organisations’ sourcing teams, delivering complex multi-billion-pound procurements, and advising clients on how to embrace technology to accelerate sourcing processes and harness data.
- Support your clients to achieve their desired business outcomes by harnessing deep technical knowledge and applying innovative approaches to sourcing and procurement.
Hybrid working - our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. However, the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment, including up to 5 days per week on a client site.
Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience of strategic sourcing and/or procurement delivery.
- Evidence of leading/supporting transformation initiatives in multifaceted stakeholder environments.
- Experience of navigating complex procurement processes within the Defence sector to deliver successful value for money outcomes.
- Experience in managing supplier service delivery arrangements or improving supplier and sourcing relationships.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to think creatively and commercially to solve complex procurement and sourcing challenges.
- Excellent interpersonal and team working skills that translate to exceptional stakeholder management.
- Strong self-starter and growth mindset with excellent communication skills.
- CIPS, MCIPS, IACCM or equivalent sourcing qualifications are preferable.
- Prior consulting experience in a sourcing context is preferable, though not essential.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Benefits
- Competitive health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare.
- 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days.
- Generous company pension scheme.
- Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives.
- Annual performance-based bonus.
- Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn).
Please apply via our online application. Be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance. All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard; some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance.
Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.
We Are Dedicated To Supporting The Physical, Emotional, Social And Financial Well-being Of Our People. We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Sourcing and Procurement Consultant - Defence & Security in Bristol employer: Consultancy.uk
At PA Consulting, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Bristol office provides a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact projects within the Defence sector, while enjoying competitive benefits such as private healthcare, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee well-being and growth. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to solving complex challenges and making a meaningful impact in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing and Procurement Consultant - Defence & Security in Bristol
✨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 Consultancy.uk.
✨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 Sourcing and Procurement Consultant - Defence & Security in Bristol
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 Consultancy.uk:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Consultancy.uk. 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 Consultancy.uk.
How to prepare for a job interview at Consultancy.uk
✨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 Consultancy.uk!
✨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 Consultancy.uk. 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 Consultancy.uk's culture.