Procurement Officer in Bedford
Procurement Officer

Procurement Officer in Bedford

Bedford Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
LHH

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage sub-contracts and support bids in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
  • Company: Leading Aerospace & Defence company focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the aerospace sector.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement, ideally in regulated environments, with strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Encourages diverse applicants; hands-on presence is key to success.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Due to security, this role is for sole UK nationals only. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, this role sits at the centre of a fast-paced and collaborative environment, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of sub-contracts, supporting bid activity, and ensuring procurement delivery aligns with wider business objectives.

You will operate across multiple functions and engage with Procurement colleagues across the Electronics & Cyber divisions, playing a key role in driving commercial outcomes and supporting programme success.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide procurement input into bids and business-winning activities, ensuring commercially robust and competitive proposals.
  • Support the implementation of the GCAP Procurement strategy within FCA and across wider Lines of Business.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to influence positive outcomes and support programme delivery.
  • Translate customer and project requirements into procurement documentation in line with contractual and Life Cycle Management (LCM) governance requirements.
  • Procure Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) items to support development programmes.
  • Develop and negotiate contracts for materials and sub-contracts, using both standard and bespoke terms.
  • Manage supplier performance throughout contract delivery, ensuring quality, cost, and schedule adherence.
  • Oversee contract management activities to ensure compliance, drive innovation, and deliver value to programme stakeholders.
  • Identify and mitigate commercial risks within supplier agreements, with a focus on long-term supply chain resilience.
  • Ensure appropriate commercial protections are in place, including NDAs, export licences, and other regulatory requirements.
  • Support internal reporting on external spend and contribute to forward-looking spend forecasts.
  • Ensure full compliance with governance, regulatory, and procurement policies across all activities.
What We’re Looking For
  • Proven experience in Procurement, ideally within the Aerospace & Defence sector or a similarly regulated environment.
  • Strong understanding of commercial and legal aspects of contracting.
  • Ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams.
  • Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Track record of delivering tangible procurement outcomes and value.
  • Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience), with MCIPS qualification or working towards it preferred.
  • Commercially minded with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
  • Ability to think creatively and identify opportunities for innovation within procurement.
  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Additional Information
  • Stakeholders are primarily UK-based, though occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.
  • Some level of international travel may be necessary depending on supplier engagement.
  • A visible, hands-on presence is key to success in this role, both internally and across the supply base.
  • This is not an exhaustive list. We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every requirement but bring relevant experience, potential, and a strong desire to contribute.

Procurement Officer in Bedford employer: LHH

As a leading player in the Aerospace & Defence sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Our Procurement Officers benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to engage with cutting-edge projects that contribute to national security. Located in the UK, our team enjoys a supportive environment where every member's input is valued, ensuring meaningful contributions to both personal and organisational success.
LHH

Contact Detail:

LHH Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer in Bedford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Aerospace & Defence sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you understand their needs and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant experience!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications through our website. A quick email or message can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar.

✨Tip Number 4

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.

We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer in Bedford

Procurement Management
Contract Negotiation
Supplier Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Commercial Awareness
Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Project Management
Aerospace & Defence Knowledge
COTS Procurement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Officer. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within Aerospace & Defence, and showcase any relevant qualifications like MCIPS. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

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 of your past successes that relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Procurement Officer, you'll need to influence stakeholders at all levels. In your application, demonstrate your strong written and verbal communication skills. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently!

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 shows you're keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at LHH

✨Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the Aerospace & Defence sector. Understand the key responsibilities of the role and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing sub-contracts and supporting bid activities.

✨Build Relationships in Your Answers

Since this role involves working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, prepare examples that showcase your ability to build and maintain strong relationships. Think about times when you influenced positive outcomes or collaborated effectively across teams.

✨Show Off Your Commercial Mindset

Be prepared to discuss how you've identified commercial risks and opportunities in past roles. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and how you've delivered tangible procurement outcomes that align with business objectives.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

As a confident communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to present your ideas and experiences in a way that demonstrates your strong written, verbal, and presentation skills. Remember, influencing stakeholders is key!

Procurement Officer in Bedford
LHH
Location: Bedford

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