At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage complex client relationships in the Defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading firm committed to diversity and inclusion in the Defence industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for leadership.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values excellence and innovation in commercial solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Defence projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and UK MoD Security Clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Important: Due to the sensitive nature of these projects you must be a UK national able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). If you already hold this clearance you are encouraged to apply.
We are seeking Senior Commercial and Procurement Managers to join our UK Defence Team. You will support Defence clients with end‑to‑end commercial solutions and be involved in a wide range of projects across the public and private sectors.
Responsibilities
- Develop procurement and commercial strategy.
- Manage the end‑to‑end commercial lifecycle.
- Identify, assess and mitigate risk and performance issues.
- Negotiate contracts and drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure governance and compliance with internal policy and legal frameworks.
- Conduct business analysis and problem solving.
- Lead teams and set strategic direction.
- Chair senior stakeholder meetings and manage complex client relationships.
- Develop and implement contract and supplier management strategies, including supplier performance monitoring and innovation initiatives.
- Apply Defence and Security Public Contracting Regulations (DSPCR), Public Contract Regulations (PCR) and/or the Procurement Act 2023.
- Oversee SOX control responsibilities where applicable.
About You
Extensive commercial experience in procurement or a related sector, strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for delivering world‑class results to Defence clients.
Role Objectives
- Service Excellence – deploy market‑leading capability to optimise client satisfaction using best‑in‑class methodologies and people.
- Risk and Performance Management – identify, assess and mitigate project risks and implement governance activities.
- Business Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement – support change management and efficiency initiatives.
- Leadership – provide formal and informal leadership through coaching, line management and knowledge sharing.
Required Experience and Skills
- Applied knowledge of procurement principles and practices, including procurement, contract management and contract placement.
- Ability to identify the most suitable commercial approach, assess trade‑offs and determine appropriate risk mitigation.
- Understanding and application of programme, portfolio and project management tools.
- Experience leading assessments at tender evaluation and applying commercial expertise and judgement.
- Skill in developing and assuring business cases, commercial strategies and contracting approaches.
- Experience developing and implementing effective contract and supplier management strategies to extract maximum value.
- Strong capability in supplier performance monitoring and driving continuous improvement.
- Leadership experience with strategic direction for teams.
- Experience in dealing with clients on complex and contentious issues and chairing senior stakeholder meetings.
- Knowledge of supplier and category management.
Qualifications
- Professional qualification(s) in Business, Procurement/Supply Chain Management, Law, Project Management or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Training or sufficient experience in DSPCR, PCR and/or the Procurement Act 2023.
- UK MoD Security Clearance (SC) is required.
Eligibility for certain roles may be affected by place of birth, nationality, citizenship and residency.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Senior Commercial / Procurement Manager – Defence employer: Turner & Townsend Plc.
Turner & Townsend is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide extensive training and growth opportunities, ensuring that our team members can excel in their careers while contributing to impactful projects within the Defence sector. Our inclusive culture celebrates diversity, fostering a supportive atmosphere that empowers individuals to achieve their best.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial / Procurement Manager – Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves a lot of contract management, be ready to discuss your strategies and past experiences in detail. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! Be sure to highlight any instances where you've led teams or managed complex client relationships. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Senior Commercial/Procurement Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial / Procurement Manager – Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial / Procurement Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and contract management, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills and leadership experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in defence and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Security Clearance:Since UK MoD Security Clearance is a must, make sure to mention if you already hold this clearance in your application. If not, be clear about your eligibility and willingness to obtain it, as this is crucial for the role.
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Turner & Townsend Plc.
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on procurement principles and practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with contract management and how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving strategic direction. Think about times when you've led stakeholder meetings or resolved contentious issues.
✨Understand the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Defence and Security Public Contracting Regulations (DSPCR) and the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you're serious about compliance and governance.
✨Demonstrate Risk Management Acumen
Be prepared to talk about how you've identified and mitigated risks in previous projects. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to implement effective governance activities.
