At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for the UK's Chinook fleet maintenance.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace firm with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and cross-functional teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the defence sector while working on high-value projects.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement or supply chain, preferably in defence or aerospace.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Role
Procurement Agent
Location
Gosport
Duration
12 months
Role Type
Hybrid, 3 days a week onsite
Salary
Depending on experience
Overview
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Agent to join the Vertical Lift Supplier Management and Procurement team, supporting our globally renowned aerospace client major subcontract activities.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for managing a significant subcontract with a key supplier, supporting the maintenance and sustainment of the UK Ministry of Defence's Chinook fleet.
With a contract value exceeding £100 million across core and additional tasking, this is a commercially significant role requiring strong supplier management, negotiation, stakeholder engagement and strategic procurement capability.
Working closely with a key supplier, the client, and the UK Mo D and wider cross-functional teams, the Procurement Agent will be responsible for ensuring supplier performance, contractual compliance, value creation and risk mitigation whilst contributing to the continuous improvement of Chinook maintenance and support operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the performance and commercial relationship of a major subcontract supporting UK Chinook aircraft maintenance and sustainment.
- Ensure supplier performance and procurement strategies align with the requirements of the Vertical Lift programme and wider business objectives.
- Establish, communicate and monitor supplier performance expectations, KPIs and contractual deliverables.
- Manage supplier performance across delivery, quality, financial stability and in-service support.
- Lead complex commercial negotiations and resolve contractual, supplier and performance-related issues.
- Draft, interpret and negotiate contractual language, Terms & Conditions and associated commercial documentation.
- Execute negotiated contractual documents and binding agreements.
- Develop procurement and contracting strategies that support programme objectives and long-term operational requirements.
- Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply chain risks.
- Drive cost reduction, value creation and continuous improvement across supplier relationships.
- Identify opportunities for supplier innovation and performance improvement and integrate outcomes into future contracting strategies.
- Define procurement requirements that accurately reflect the needs of the Vertical Lift programme.
- Facilitate effective collaboration between Procurement, Programme, Engineering, Operations, suppliers, the UK Mo D and other key stakeholders.
- Build strong strategic supplier partnerships whilst influencing outcomes across complex, cross-functional environments.
- Contribute to the development of innovative working practices and efficiencies supporting the future sustainment of the Chinook fleet.
Skills & Experience
- Ideally
10+ years' relevant procurement, supply chain, subcontract or commercial experience , preferably within defence, aerospace or another complex regulated environment.
- Experience working within the UK defence sector, including knowledge of UK Mo D regulations and contractual flow-down requirements.
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable experience drafting, interpreting and negotiating contractual Terms & Conditions.
- Proven experience managing major suppliers, subcontractors and strategically important commercial relationships.
- Strong supplier performance management capability, including KPI development and monitoring, risk management and corrective action.
- Demonstrable experience leading complex commercial and supplier negotiations.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively across large, diverse and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to manage multiple competing priorities whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail.
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking and structured problem-solving capability.
- Experience identifying and delivering cost savings, value creation and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to anticipate risks, manage resources and monitor performance.
- Adaptable and commercially focused, with the confidence to influence change and challenge existing ways of working.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong customer-focused approach.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with SAP/ERP systems would be advantageous.
- Understanding of the Chinook platform would be highly desirable.
- Ability to travel between sites when required.
Qualifications & Additional Requirements
- MCIPS accreditation would be advantageous.
- BPSS clearance required.
Sadly, sponsorship cannot be provided.
Procurement Agent in Southampton employer: Indotronix Avani UK
As a leading provider of defence capabilities, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the Logistics Coordinator role in Lossiemouth. With competitive pay and a commitment to employee development, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that our team members have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values precision and excellence in supporting the UK armed forces.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Agent in Southampton
✨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 Indotronix Avani 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 Procurement Agent in Southampton
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 Indotronix Avani UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Indotronix Avani 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 Indotronix Avani UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Indotronix Avani 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 Indotronix Avani 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 Indotronix Avani 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 Indotronix Avani UK's culture.
