Procurement Specialist in London

Procurement Specialist in London

London Full-Time No working from home possible
Q

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for innovative projects.
  • Company: Global engineering consultancy driving technological advancement and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Personalised career path, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Diverse projects, ongoing learning, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of technology today.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering or business with procurement experience preferred.

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

As a procurement specialist you will be reporting directly to the Alten UK group recruitment director and the Head of procurement for the Alten group. Your main responsibilities will include:

  • Supplier Relationship Management
    • Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers of professional services (e.g., consulting firms, freelancers, IT service providers, engineering contractors).
    • Ensuring suppliers meet quality, cost, and compliance standards.
  • Negotiation & Contracting
    • Negotiating contracts for services like IT consulting, engineering support, legal advice, or other expert services.
    • Ensuring terms align with company margins, budgets, and strategic goals.
  • Process Compliance
    • Validating internal requests for services (e.g., from project managers) against procurement policies.
    • Managing administrative tasks like subcontracting agreements and purchase orders.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Working with legal, finance, and operational teams to ensure smooth procurement processes.
    • Tracking KPIs (e.g., cost savings, supplier performance).
  • Strategic Sourcing
    • Identifying new suppliers or expanding procurement scopes (e.g., international negotiations).
    • Leading initiatives like digital tool procurement or process improvements.

You will also contribute to the growth of the Procurement structure by proposing continuous improvements, always ensuring compliance with regulations and processes. Additionally, you may lead cross-functional projects or initiatives, such as traceability, tool procurement, or expanding procurement scopes. As the direct interface with suppliers and with a view to expanding the Procurement Team’s scope, you may also conduct negotiations in an international context.

Requirements

Ideally, you hold a degree from an engineering or business school (with a specialization in procurement) at a Master’s level (or equivalent) and have at least 3 years of experience in an operational service environment, particularly in service procurement or project management. A strong understanding of the operational challenges faced by business managers and end clients is essential.

Additionally, you should have:

  • A strong aptitude for regulatory and financial matters.
  • High autonomy in your role.

The position is based in London, with occasional travel to other regions. Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory.

Benefits

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short, you get:

  • A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
  • A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
  • Private Medical Insurance.
  • Cyle & Tech Scheme.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Life Insurance & Pension Scheme.
  • Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team-building events.
  • Flexible way of working (role-dependent).

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process, candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, your employment may be delayed or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at the interview.

Procurement Specialist in London employer: Quick Release

ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where talented engineers are empowered to innovate and tackle complex challenges. Based in London, the role of Procurement Specialist offers a personalised career path, diverse engineering projects, and a supportive environment with benefits like private medical insurance and flexible working arrangements. Join us to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development.

Q

Contact Details:

Quick Release Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in London

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 Quick Release.

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 Procurement Specialist in London

Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Process Compliance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
KPI Tracking
Strategic Sourcing

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 Quick Release:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Quick Release. 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 Quick Release.

How to prepare for a job interview at Quick Release

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 Quick Release!

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 Quick Release. 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 Quick Release's culture.