At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage contracts for major Defence programmes.
- Company: Join Mace, a dynamic consultancy redefining ambition in the Defence sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a car allowance, health cover, life insurance, and flexible family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Mace values diversity and encourages all candidates to apply, even if they don't meet every requirement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and contract management, with a focus on Defence and public sectors.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition.
Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.
We are looking for a talented Associate Director – Procurement Commercial to join our Defence Business Unit in Gosport.
You will play a key role in delivering pre contract procurement activities and wider commercial responsibilities across major Defence programmes, including strategy development, tendering, evaluation and contract formation.
With over 400 colleagues delivering across the Defence Business Unit, Mace supports national security through infrastructure, commercial services and project delivery.
Suitable individuals will hold, or be eligible to obtain, security check (SC) clearance and be flexible to work across the UK.
Experience within the Defence sector and the wider public sector is highly beneficial.
You’ll be responsible for: Preparing commercial strategies, business cases, contract documentation and tender packages.
Developing commercial strategies, preparing business cases, producing contract and tender documentation, and managing stakeholders’ relationships through to formal contract execution.
Championing a diverse, inclusive and wellbeing focused working environment.
Supporting the delivery of key commercial assignments and business areas.
Providing strategic direction aligned with overall client and project objectives.
Managing and delivering activities across all stages of the MOD commercial lifecycle.
You’ll need to have: Experience producing tender and contract documentation.
Experience developing commercial and procurement strategies and running end to end tender processes.
An understanding of commercial and contract management principles, with some familiarity with Defence Contracts and Public Sector Procurement processes.
Experience developing commercial governance procedures, processes and systems.
Knowledge and use of E-Sourcing and/or E-Evaluation systems.
Strong commercial and financial acumen.
Experience leading workstreams within large, multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders.
Professional membership or progression toward CIPS, CCM or equivalent.
Willingness and eligibility to obtain UK security clearance (SC).
Flexibility to travel nationally when required.
What’s on offer: Car allowance.
Medical health cover.
Life insurance.
Income protection insurance.
Pension scheme.
Discretionary annual salary reviews.
Family friendly policies.
Our values Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
Create opportunity - For our people to excel: Wechampion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.
Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.
Job Summary Job number: 46511Date posted : 2026-07-24Profession: Commercial Employment type: Full-time
Associate Director – Procurement Commercial - Defence in Bristol employer: Mace group
Mace is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, diversity, and employee wellbeing, making it a fantastic place to work for those in the Defence sector. With a strong focus on professional development and a culture of continuous improvement, employees are encouraged to excel and grow within their roles. Located in Gosport, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in supporting national security through innovative infrastructure and commercial services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Procurement Commercial - Defence in Bristol
✨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 Mace group.
✨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 Associate Director – Procurement Commercial - Defence in Bristol
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 Mace group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Mace group. 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 Mace group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mace group
✨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 Mace group!
✨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 Mace group. 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 Mace group's culture.
