At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and develop innovative contracting strategies in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: Market-leading aerospace business focused on complex products for civil and defence sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a leadership team driving innovation and efficiency.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of aerospace procurement.
- Qualifications: Expertise in strategic procurement and experience in regulated aerospace environments.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
A market-leading aerospace manufacturing and engineering business producing complex products for major civil and defence aerospace customers require a Head of Strategic Procurement. Reporting to an Operations Director, the Head of Strategic Procurement will be responsible for developing the function and leading all strategic procurement and contracting strategies across direct and indirect areas of spend. The Head of Strategic Procurement will play a key role within the Business Leadership Team, providing strategic direction across sourcing, supplier management, cost optimisation, and support for new business opportunities whilst aligning strategic procurement with broader company objectives.
Specific duties of the Head of Strategic Procurement include:
- Define and execute procurement strategies, including Make vs Buy, indirect procurement and subcontracting.
- Negotiation, development and management of long term agreements (LTA) with critical supply partners.
- Authorisation of supplier contracts, NDAs and commercial agreements.
- Provide procurement and commercial leadership in support of business winning activities, sales bids and contract renewals.
- Strategic supplier relationship management; serve as an escalation point for critical supplier and supply chain issues, drive performance improvements, cost reduction initiatives and operational efficiencies.
- Management of Category Management team.
- Define procurement and inventory management KPIs internal and external (PPV, OTIF), procurement processes, policies and procedures.
Head of Strategic Procurement applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Strategic-level procurement expertise; the ability to define strategies across procurement and inventory management, manage contracts and critical supplier relationships.
- Experience within a regulated aerospace or defence manufacturing engineering environment.
- The ability to negotiate, establish and manage long term agreements (LTA) with suppliers and supply chain partners, knowledge of contract law and complex contracts.
- Familiarity with global supply chains.
- Leadership qualities and gravitas with the ability to manage a team, and influence stakeholder communities.
Head of Strategic Procurement in Southampton employer: Matchtech Careers
As a Business Reporting Analyst with our client, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. The company offers excellent employee growth opportunities through continuous training and development, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on business decisions but also provides a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Procurement in Southampton
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Matchtech Careers for a Head of Strategic Procurement. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Procurement in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Matchtech Careers, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Matchtech Careers, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Matchtech Careers
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Matchtech Careers.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Matchtech Careers. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Matchtech Careers love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
