At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead process improvements in Procurement to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting our Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change in a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Procurement processes and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 52500 - 57500 £ per year.
In an industry where precision is non-negotiable, the efficiency of our Procurement processes is the backbone of our success. We are seeking a Procurement UK Process Manager to join our organisation during a period of exciting evolution.
Salary: Circa £55k depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 days per week on-site
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
The Opportunity
Following a recent company re-organisation MBDA’s UK Procurement Directorate has introduced a ‘Governance and Performance’ team to support the function’s drive to deliver excellence to our customers by ensuring robust governance, performance management and compliance across all of our Procurement activities.
Your mission will be to:
- Ensure UK Procurement processes align to meet business requirements.
- Identify and manage UK process improvement with a view to driving simplification, harmonisation and increasing the efficiency of the processes;
- Identify process areas that can be automated with digital solutions in coordination with the Digital Improvement function;
- Collaborate with and influence the Group Process Procurement Excellence team to ensure processes support UK needs.
- Guide the preparation of internal and external audits and manage improvement actions with stakeholders
- Undertake UK internal Procurement audits to ensure the teams are following process.
- Develop a communication plan and deliver associated training to guide people to change and to illustrate the added value of the improvements introduced
- Participate in process reviews and present project progress to senior management.
What we're looking for from you:
We are looking for a proactive "fixer"—someone who combines analytical rigor with the emotional intelligence to manage and influence change in a complex organisation across multiple stakeholders in the UK and Europe.
Your Technical Skills:
- Operational knowledge of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, preferably with the defence and/or aerospace sectors.
- Proficiency in process modelling methods e.g. Business Process Model & Notation [BPM], Value Stream Mapping [VSM]) and Business Process Management (BPM) principles.
- Able to quickly understand the interdependencies between Procurement and other company areas where processes interlink.
- Familiarity with quality standards, specifically EN9100 and its application in aerospace/defence/engineering.
- Experience of undertaking audits.
Your Professional Experience:
- A proven track record of managing process transformation projects within complex, large-scale organisations.
- Experience of mapping processes through applications such as Visio.
- Led the preparation of internal or third party audits and managing resulting improvement actions.
- Proven ability to map complex processes and manage the resulting change across multi-functional teams.
- Experience of managing and resolving processes.
- Confidence when engaging and presenting updates to senior stakeholders.
Your Mindset:
- Determined: A results-oriented approach with the proactivity to drive projects to completion.
- Collaborative: The ability to influence and align stakeholders across different functions and nations.
- Analytical: A natural problem-solver who can translate complex concepts into clear, structured actions.
- Communicator: Excellence communication skills and ability to present complex concepts in a clear and structured way.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Process Manager - Procurement UK in Stevenage employer: MBDA
MBDA is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, alongside opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology programmes. With a focus on high-performance software solutions, MBDA provides a rewarding experience for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of systems engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Manager - Procurement UK in Stevenage
✨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 MBDA.
✨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 Process Manager - Procurement UK in Stevenage
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 MBDA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to MBDA. 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 MBDA.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨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 MBDA!
✨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 MBDA. 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 MBDA's culture.
