At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join General Dynamics Land Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Flexible benefits, career development plans, and professional training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on diversity and equal opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant experience in strategic sourcing required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities- 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 optimisation 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.
- 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 planner.
- 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.
- A flexible benefits scheme – allowing you to adapt your benefits to suit you 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.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. 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, colour, 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.
Strategic Procurement Manager employer: General Dynamics
General Dynamics Land Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Merthyr Tydfil where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides personalised career development plans, professional training opportunities, and a flexible benefits scheme tailored to individual needs. The inclusive culture fosters teamwork and recognises contributions, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in strategic procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Strategic Procurement Manager role. 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 General Dynamics Land Systems thoroughly. Understand their supply chain strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Strategic Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence before those crucial interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant qualifications like your CIPS Level 6.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific examples of how you've delivered commercial value and managed high-value contracts in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Strategic Procurement Manager, leadership is key. Make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams and driving cross-functional collaboration. We want to see how you can inspire and manage others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates we’re excited to meet!
How to prepare for a job interview at General Dynamics
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of strategic sourcing and procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to manage high-value contracts and supplier relationships, as well as how you’ve balanced cost, quality, and risk in those situations.
✨Understand Compliance and Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with Defence procurement regulations and internal governance frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how you identify and mitigate supply chain risks, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the regulatory landscape.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
Think of instances where you've led a team or collaborated across functions. Emphasise your stakeholder management skills and how you’ve driven supplier performance through effective leadership, as these are key aspects of the Strategic Procurement Manager role.
