Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Innovative aerospace manufacturing business with a focus on performance and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, electric car scheme, employee discounts, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for permanent position based on performance and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make a real impact on production and cost control.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of supply chain management.
The predicted salary is between 27 - 27 £ per hour.
Location: Crawley, West Sussex (RH10) / Hybrid
Contract: 3-Month FTC | Full Time
Potential: Opportunity to become permanent based on performance
About the Role
Our client, an innovative aerospace manufacturing business, is looking for an experienced Procurement Lead to support supplier management, sourcing activities, and procurement operations within a fast-paced production environment. This is a hands-on role focused on ensuring strong supplier performance, continuity of supply, cost control, and supporting production and programme delivery. The role is initially a 3-month fixed-term contract with the potential to become permanent for the right person.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage supplier relationships and procurement activities across assigned categories
- Lead sourcing activities, RFQs, and supplier negotiations
- Monitor supplier performance including delivery, quality, and cost
- Support forecasting, demand planning, and production schedules
- Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Planning, and Quality teams
- Identify and manage supply chain risks and improvement opportunities
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and programme activities
- Drive cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company and industry standards
Requirements
- Previous procurement experience within manufacturing or a regulated environment
- Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
- Experience with forecasting, planning, or supply chain coordination
- Good understanding of supplier performance and KPI management
- ERP/MRP system experience
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Aerospace or engineering manufacturing experience would be beneficial
- Professional qualifications such as CIPS are advantageous
Benefits
- Competitive pension
- Electric car scheme
- Employee discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Early finish on Fridays
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
Procurement Lead in Crawley employer: Talented People
Contact Detail:
Talented People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Lead in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around supplier management and cost control.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Think of examples from your past roles where you successfully managed supplier relationships or drove cost reductions. This will make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Lead in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Lead role. Highlight your previous procurement experience, especially in manufacturing or regulated environments, and showcase your supplier management and negotiation skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've managed supplier relationships or driven cost reduction initiatives in the past.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your experience with ERP/MRP systems and your understanding of supplier performance metrics. These are key to the role, so make them stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talented People
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in manufacturing and regulated environments. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with supplier management, negotiations, and how you've driven cost reductions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationships
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships. Highlight specific instances where you improved performance or resolved issues, as this will demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to ensure continuity of supply.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations and how procurement fits into their overall strategy. Be prepared to discuss how you can support production schedules and collaborate with other teams like Engineering and Quality to drive improvements.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come equipped with insightful questions about the company's procurement processes and challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.