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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for innovative training solutions.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in Electronic Warfare and Red Air Aggressor Training.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, bonuses, and wellbeing programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within complex manufacturing and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to fairness and respect.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Bournemouth
Working pattern: Monday - Thursday 08:00 - 16:00, Friday 08:30 - 15:30 - 37 hours per week, onsite.
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
The Role
Draken is a leader in the provision of Electronic Warfare and Red Air Aggressor Training, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and high-quality products to our customers. We value strategic thinking, collaboration, and continuous improvement in our operations. The Procurement Manager will play a critical role in supporting the Red Force programme by developing and executing effective procurement strategies across systems and integration of subsystems and deployable service solutions. This role is responsible for managing key supplier relationships, leading commercial and contractual activities, and ensuring robust, compliant routes-to-supply that meet programme, cost, quality, and schedule objectives. With a proven track record in manufacturing procurement, the role holder will bring strong procurement judgement, contract management expertise, and an ability to operate in a regulated, technically demanding environment. Working closely with the Technology Team, Programmes, and other functional stakeholders, the Procurement Manager will provide strategic procurement leadership throughout the full lifecycle—from bid and source selection through contract award and in-service support—while actively managing risk, performance, and total cost of ownership.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Procurement Leadership: Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned to business and programme objectives.
- Stakeholder & Supplier Engagement: Partner with cross-functional teams to understand technical requirements and programme needs. Assess supplier capability and resilience, ensuring alignment with engineering standards. Build and maintain effective supplier relationships to drive performance and minimise risk.
- Project & Lifecycle Support: Lead procurement activity for major bids, ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective outcomes. Support lifecycle milestones (including PDR/CDR) and contribute to bid/no-bid decisions.
- Commercial & Contract Management: Lead commercial negotiations for complex, high-value agreements. Draft, review, and manage contracts through governance processes. Apply strong understanding of contractual risk, IP considerations, and compliance standards.
- Risk, Governance & Performance: Ensure adherence to procurement governance, policies, and ethical sourcing practices. Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including long-lead and constrained materials. Develop KPIs, report procurement performance, and capture validated savings.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience delivering procurement strategies within complex manufacturing or operational environments.
- Strong commercial judgement across cost, risk, quality, and schedule.
- Experience handling complex commercial and contractual negotiations.
- Excellent understanding of contractual risks, remedies, and intellectual property considerations.
- Proven supplier selection, assessment, and performance management capability.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using ERP systems and supplier data platforms (e.g. JOSCAR).
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Commitment to best practice, professional standards, and continuous improvement within procurement.
- CIPS or other relevant procurement/supply chain qualifications (desirable).
Our employee values
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken Europe team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Procurement Manager in Bournemouth employer: Draken
Contact Detail:
Draken Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Draken and understanding their values and mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in procurement and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial judgement. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Draken team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement, especially in complex manufacturing environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Draken!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful procurement strategies you've implemented. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of procurement strategies, especially those relevant to complex manufacturing environments. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and implemented these strategies in past roles, as this will show your alignment with Draken's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained effective supplier relationships. Highlight any specific instances where you assessed supplier capabilities or mitigated risks, as this is crucial for the Procurement Manager role.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since you'll be leading commercial negotiations, think of a few key negotiations you've successfully managed. Be ready to discuss your approach, the challenges you faced, and how you achieved favourable outcomes, demonstrating your strong commercial judgement.
✨Understand the Importance of Compliance
Familiarise yourself with procurement governance and ethical sourcing practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this will resonate well with Draken's commitment to best practices and continuous improvement.
