At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for innovative defence projects, managing contracts and sourcing goods.
- Company: Join a leading UK public sector employer driving advanced technology development.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and access to exclusive worker discounts.
- Other info: 6-12 month assignment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your strategic skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in defence procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Your new company is a leading UK innovation public sector employer, driving the development of advanced and cutting-edge technologies. Be part of a team that helps industry turn pioneering research into real-world solutions across a variety of sectors. With new endeavours into the defence industry, they have a new opportunity for an interim Category Manager to join the Procurement team with required industry experience.
Your new role involves sourcing, purchasing, and managing contracts for a wide range of goods, services and works, from secure construction activities to equipment. You will develop procurement strategies, negotiate with suppliers, manage contracts, and ensure value for money while adhering to regulations. You will manage and undertake procurement activities and be responsible for more complex projects which could involve over-threshold regulated tenders and Single Source Regulations. You will offer guidance and input to the development of business cases for Defence procurements, consultancy, or wider business needs. You will be involved with strategic projects and planning, including defence, new facilities, and large-scale programmes. This is a strategic role which enables the organisation to focus on conducting in-depth analysis to fully leverage their procurement decisions on behalf of the projects and clients. You will be responsible for managing large scale projects and relationships, including defence, and escalating as required. You will be tasked with identifying process improvement opportunities and promoting procurement best practice in a complex, multi-site operation.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Demonstrated experience in defence within a commercial or procurement capacity.
- In-depth understanding of public sector procurement regulations, including PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
- Ideally, MCIPS certification or an equivalent professional qualification.
- Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to analyse data and negotiate value-driven agreements.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinker with expertise in managing complex categories and driving continuous improvement in procurement processes.
- Experience with NEC suite of contracts is advantageous.
- Must have SC Clearance.
What you'll get in return: This will be a 6-12 month assignment that falls inside IR35. Offered as a hybrid position with 2 days in the office each week, commuting to Bristol. Candidates will only be considered if they can adhere to travel requirements which at times can increase and decrease with business needs. You will be privy to Hays worker discounts and weekly timesheet payments, through either the relative PAYE or alternative Umbrella pay methods.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Advanced Procurement Category Lead - Defence employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a leading public sector employer renowned for its commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology in the defence industry. With a strong focus on employee development, this organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages strategic thinking and continuous improvement. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive pay, and access to exclusive worker discounts while contributing to meaningful projects that make a real-world impact.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Procurement Category Lead - Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their procurement strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of supplier negotiations, being able to demonstrate your prowess in this area during interviews can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Procurement Category Lead - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Advanced Procurement Category Lead. Highlight your experience in defence procurement and any relevant qualifications like MCIPS. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to negotiate value-driven agreements and manage complex projects. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to procurement strategies and processes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on public sector procurement regulations, especially PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the legal framework and how it impacts procurement decisions.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic thinking skills, particularly in managing complex categories. Think about past projects where you identified process improvements or drove continuous improvement in procurement processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated value-driven agreements. Use data to back up your claims and show how your commercial acumen has led to successful outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders, especially in a defence context, to achieve project goals.
