At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and supplier performance for UK and EU suppliers in aerospace.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at GKN, a leader in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous car allowance, and industry-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace diversity in a collaborative environment that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility role with international travel opportunities.
- Qualifications: 8-10+ years in procurement with experience managing international suppliers.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Procurement Manager leads operational procurement and supplier performance across UK and European suppliers supporting the Phoenix, Arizona site. This role provides leadership, direction, and accountability for supplier performance through a team of Senior Buyers and Supplier Surveillance/Development, ensuring delivery, quality, and responsiveness are achieved through structured supplier engagement and regular on-site presence. This is a high-impact role with clear ownership and visibility, directly influencing supplier performance, reducing operational risk, and supporting a complex, international aerospace supply chain. We're offering this role on a remote first basis, however there will be an expectation for travel, including GKN and supplier sites nationally and internationally. The role will report into our Phoenix, Arizona, but we are hiring in the UK to effectively operate within the European supply chain.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supplier Ownership & Performance
- Ensure operational procurement and supplier performance across UK/EU suppliers through the team
- Provide oversight and direction on supplier strategy, engagement, and escalation
- Support critical supplier interactions and escalations when needed
- Hold the team and suppliers accountable to delivery, quality, and performance commitments
- Operational Procurement Execution
- Ensure disciplined execution of purchase‑to‑pay processes through the team
- Oversee demand alignment, scheduling integrity, and MRP execution
- Maintain governance over procurement processes rather than direct execution
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and develop a team of Senior Buyers responsible for day‑to‑day supplier management
- Set clear expectations for ownership, escalation, and performance standards
- Coach the team on supplier accountability, recovery, and commercial posture
- Act as the primary escalation point for complex or high‑risk supplier issues
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- Significant experience in procurement, supply chain, or operations (8‑10+ years)
- Experience managing international suppliers, ideally across UK/EU
- Strong understanding of MRP‑driven manufacturing environments
- Proven ability to drive supplier performance and recovery
- Leadership experience managing teams or complex supplier portfolios
- Confidence challenging suppliers and driving accountability
- Willingness and ability to travel about 50%; valid passport essential
Desirable
- Aerospace or regulated manufacturing experience
- MCIPS or equivalent qualification
- Experience in supplier development or recovery environments
- Strong commercial and negotiation capability
What We’ll Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- £5,500 / year car allowance
- Industry-leading pension scheme with 1.5× employee contribution (max 12%)
- Up to 22.5% company bonus - individual and company performance related
- Life assurance 8x salary
- Income protection
- 25 days holiday + bank holiday
- Shopping discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment
Equal Opportunities
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
Site Procurement Manager - Small Site in Bristol employer: GKN Aerospace Services Limited
GKN is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work environment, particularly for the Site Procurement Manager role based in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and performance-related bonuses, and a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, GKN stands out as a place where professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the aerospace supply chain.
Contact Details:
GKN Aerospace Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Procurement Manager - Small Site in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and supply chain sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them improve supplier performance. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed teams and driven accountability in past roles. Employers love to see candidates who can lead and inspire others!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Procurement Manager - Small Site in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in procurement and supplier management, especially in international settings. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Site Procurement Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've driven supplier performance and managed teams in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've coached teams, set expectations, and handled complex supplier issues. We love seeing strong leaders!
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 it. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN Aerospace Services Limited
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, research the key suppliers relevant to the role. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, and be ready to discuss how you would manage and improve supplier performance. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in the position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, especially in managing teams or complex supplier portfolios. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led a team through challenges and how you hold suppliers accountable for their commitments.
✨Understand Procurement Processes
Brush up on your knowledge of purchase-to-pay processes and MRP-driven environments. Be prepared to explain how you ensure disciplined execution and governance over procurement processes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Show Willingness to Travel
Since the role requires travel, express your enthusiasm for visiting supplier sites and engaging with them directly. Share any past experiences where travel has enhanced your supplier relationships or procurement strategies.
