At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic procurement team to drive strategic sourcing and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join General Dynamics, a leader in high-tech defence solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to work on innovative projects.
- Other info: Be part of a global team dedicated to innovation and excellence in mission-critical systems.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence technology while making impactful decisions in procurement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems.
We are currently hiring a Head of Procurement to lead a team of procurement professionals in delivering a unified procurement strategy that supports manufacturing, programs, compliance, and key business objectives across the full product life cycle. This role requires close collaboration across all business functions to align procurement and supply chain activities with organisational priorities.
In this role, you will provide senior leadership across all supply chain activities within GDMS‑UK, driving growth, operational excellence, and transformational change in alignment with the business plan. You will oversee supply chain resources to ensure the organisation has the skills, capabilities, and processes required to achieve financial and strategic objectives. You will also develop and maintain strategic relationships with critical suppliers, fostering long‑term partnerships that support shared objectives around cost, delivery reliability, and performance.
This role includes financial oversight of material revenue, departmental overhead, program performance estimates, negotiated savings, and identification of risks and opportunities. You will play a key role in shaping future business opportunities through leadership in the customer tender process. Strong communication and collaboration are essential, as you will align supply chain priorities with business needs while cultivating relationships with senior leadership, internal stakeholders, and strategic suppliers. You will work closely with other senior leaders to ensure long‑term alignment on talent development, process improvement, and technology deployment.
You Are Responsible For:
- Leading the Procurement team (Procurement Manager, Program Manager, Bids)
Head of Procurement employer: General Dynamics UK Limited
Contact Detail:
General Dynamics UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the procurement field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Head of Procurement role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching General Dynamics and their recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in leading procurement teams and driving strategic initiatives. We want to hear how you’ve made an impact in previous roles and how you plan to do the same at GDMS.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the General Dynamics team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in procurement strategies, supplier relationships, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at General Dynamics!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and operational excellence.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Procurement, strong leadership is key. In your application, highlight instances where you've led teams or projects successfully. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others while aligning procurement activities with business objectives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at General Dynamics UK Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into General Dynamics Mission Systems and their procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, especially in avionics and communication systems. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or driven transformational change. Highlight how you foster collaboration and build relationships, as these are key in this role.
✨Understand the Financials
Brush up on financial oversight related to procurement. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, negotiated savings, and identified risks in previous roles. This will be crucial since the role involves financial oversight of material revenue and departmental overhead.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company's goals and challenges. Inquire about their future projects or how they envision the procurement function evolving. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the company's long-term success.