Procurement Specialist
Procurement Specialist

Procurement Specialist

Watford Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in defence and aerospace.
  • Company: Join a high-profile organisation focused on defence and aerospace projects.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and make a real impact in critical projects.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent experience; MCIPS preferred.
  • Other info: Must be a sole British citizen with SC clearance.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

SC cleared – British eyes only ( sole British citizen )

Senior Sub-Contracts & Procurement Manager – Defence/Aerospace

We are seeking an experienced procurement professional to lead sub-contract management activities and drive supplier performance within a high-profile defence and aerospace environment.

The role

You will take ownership of procurement activity across key projects, building strong relationships with strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders. Acting as a trusted expert, you will provide leadership in business-winning and programme delivery, with responsibility for negotiating complex agreements and managing commercial risks.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading supplier relationships, performance reviews, and risk management
  • Driving procurement strategies across development and delivery programmes
  • Translating customer/project requirements into robust commercial agreements
  • Drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts for goods and services
  • Ensuring contractual compliance, governance, and risk mitigation across the lifecycle
  • Acting as the focal point for contract, supply chain, and export compliance matters

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

  • Degree-level education or equivalent experience (MCIPS preferred)
  • Strong background in procurement within defence, aerospace, or a similar sector
  • Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements and manage supplier performance
  • Knowledge of commercial, legal, and export compliance within contracting
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills
  • A proactive approach, able to identify risks, find solutions, and add value

Desirable experience

  • Understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in contracting
  • SAP or equivalent ERP system knowledge

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leadership role in a critical function, shaping procurement strategy and ensuring successful delivery of complex programmes.

Procurement Specialist employer: LHH

As a leading employer in the defence and aerospace sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to high-stakes projects. Located in a vibrant area with a strong focus on national security, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
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Contact Detail:

LHH Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in procurement.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement strategies used in defence and aerospace. Research case studies or white papers that highlight successful procurement practices in these industries to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with complex negotiations and supplier performance management. Think of specific examples where you successfully navigated challenges and how you added value to your previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on compliance regulations and best practices related to export compliance and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise and understanding of the legal landscape in procurement.

We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist

Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Negotiation
Risk Management
Procurement Strategy Development
Commercial Awareness
Legal Compliance Knowledge
Export Compliance Knowledge
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management
Understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
ERP System Knowledge (SAP or equivalent)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially within the defence and aerospace sectors. Emphasise your skills in negotiating complex agreements and managing supplier performance.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the key responsibilities. Mention specific examples of past achievements that showcase your ability to drive procurement strategies and manage risks.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree or MCIPS qualification, make it prominent in your application. Also, mention any experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, as well as your knowledge of commercial and legal compliance.

Showcase Soft Skills: Since excellent communication and collaboration skills are crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders or built strong relationships in previous positions.

How to prepare for a job interview at LHH

✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise

Make sure to highlight your experience in procurement, especially within the defence and aerospace sectors. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully negotiated complex agreements and managed supplier performance.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Since the role requires excellent communication and collaboration skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've effectively influenced stakeholders and built strong relationships.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management skills. Prepare scenarios where you identified risks in procurement processes and how you mitigated them, showcasing your proactive approach.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance Matters

Given the importance of contractual compliance and governance in this role, brush up on your knowledge of commercial, legal, and export compliance. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance throughout the lifecycle of contracts.

Procurement Specialist
LHH
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  • Procurement Specialist

    Watford
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-05

  • L

    LHH

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