At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join General Dynamics Land Systems, a global leader in combat vehicle solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and personalised career development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on diversity, equity, and career progression.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a high-stakes industry while growing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant experience in strategic procurement required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom
Date Posted: May 14, 2026
Category: Supply Chain / Procurement
Job Type: Full-Time
General Dynamics Land Systems is on the look-out for a full-time Strategic Procurement Manager to join our Supply Chain Team, based in Merthyr Tydfil. The successful and inclusive candidate will earn a favourable salary of £55,000 to £65,000 based on experience and potential. This is an ideal role for someone who has a proactive and positive mindset and a keen desire to grow professionally.
Joining an established team, the successful candidate will lead and deliver strategic sourcing and subcontract management activities across complex, high value procurement categories, ensuring value creation, security of supply, and effective supplier risk management. The role is accountable for translating business and supply chain strategy into executable procurement plans, maintaining compliance with regulatory and governance frameworks, and driving robust supplier performance through strong commercial, contractual, and stakeholder management.
The Strategic Procurement Manager provides leadership to the strategic procurement team, enables effective cross functional collaboration, and supports the delivery of the organisation’s operational, financial, and long term strategic objectives.
If you were already working in this position, this is what you would have been working on this week:
- Develop and execute category strategies aligned to business and programme objectives.
- Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities, including market analysis, tendering (RFQ/RFP), negotiation, and contract award.
- Manage high-value and critical supplier relationships, ensuring performance, resilience and innovation.
- Deliver cost optimization and value creation, balancing cost, quality, and risk.
- Ensure compliance with Defence procurement regulations, Export controls and security requirements, Internal governance and audit.
- Lead contract negotiations, including complex commercial terms, risk allocation, and long-term agreements.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including geopolitical, financial, and operational risks.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Programme Management, Commercial / Legal & Finance.
- Support bid activity and programme delivery, ensuring procurement strategies align with customer requirements.
- Drive supplier performance management, including KPIs, continuous improvement and innovation.
- Provide leadership and management, aligned to GD leadership principles to the Strategic Procurement team.
To apply for this role, you will require the following:
- Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field.
- Professional accreditation, CIPS Level 6 required.
- Significant experience in strategic / sourcing within a complex, regulated environment (Defence, aerospace, nuclear or similar).
- Proven track record of delivering commercial value and cost savings on high-value contracts.
- Strong experience in contract and supplier management.
- Deep understanding of risk management and supply chain resilience.
- Experience of working within regulated procurement frameworks.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills at senior leadership level.
- Strong analytical, commercial, and decision-making capability.
- Strategic thinker and long-term planning.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- High level of integrity and accountability.
- Ability to operate in a highly regulated and confidential environment.
- Resilient and adaptable in a complex, fast-paced setting.
- Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.
Our Company Benefits:
We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering highly competitive benefits:
- A flexible benefits scheme - allowing you to adapt your benefits to suit yours and your family’s needs.
- A personalised career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
- Professional training and development courses, both internal and external - allowing you to reach your full potential.
- A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, which includes compressed hours, reduced hours and job share.
- A Company sports and social club, offering events at discounted prices – giving you the opportunity to meet and socialise with your fellow colleagues outside the workplace.
About General Dynamics UK:
General Dynamics Land Systems is a global leader in providing products and support across the full spectrum of combat vehicles. Our global team has more than 6,000 employees working towards creating a diverse product portfolio delivering best-in-class capability to Armed Forces communities worldwide. In the UK, we employ more than 750 people and are leading the way in Armoured Fighting Vehicles and sustainment services. Our vision is documented and embedded into our culture, so all employees understand the Company’s direction and their role in achieving it.
We believe in maintaining an inclusive workplace – inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high performance team.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
At General Dynamics Land Systems, we strive to be champions who drive diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to our values and beliefs to provide a healthy and secure working environment that empowers team members to build careers that reward. We are focused on supporting an inclusive company that recognizes the value in creating a dynamic team that is diverse.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems (“GDLS”) provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.
If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call 586-825-4000 or send an e-mail to [emailprotected] for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Strategic Procurement Manager employer: General Dynamics Land Systems UK
General Dynamics Land Systems is an exceptional employer located in Merthyr Tydfil, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a flexible benefits scheme, personalised career development plans, and opportunities for professional training, employees are empowered to reach their full potential while contributing to meaningful projects that support armed forces communities worldwide. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and recognition, ensuring that every team member feels valued and engaged in their work.
Contact Details:
General Dynamics Land Systems UK Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Procurement Manager
✨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 General Dynamics Land Systems 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 Strategic Procurement Manager
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 General Dynamics Land Systems UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to General Dynamics Land Systems 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 General Dynamics Land Systems UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at General Dynamics Land Systems 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 General Dynamics Land Systems 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 General Dynamics Land Systems 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 General Dynamics Land Systems UK's culture.