At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
- Company: Join Unum Aircraft Seating, redefining business class comfort with innovative aircraft seating.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, early finishes on Fridays, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company with a startup mindset and a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Unum Aircraft Seating, we're redefining business class comfort with smart, adaptable, and reliable aircraft seating designed to deliver exceptional passenger experiences and industry-leading on-time delivery. Culture matters to us. We're looking for thoughtful, collaborative people who lead with integrity, communicate openly, and contribute to a positive and inclusive working environment.
As we continue to scale our business and deliver complex aerospace programmes, we're looking for a Procurement Lead to help shape and strengthen our global supply chain. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where supplier performance, procurement strategy, and programme delivery come together in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Why Join Unum?
- Be part of an ambitious and growing business with a startup mindset and a culture built around collaboration, sustainability, innovation, and quality.
- Competitive salary and benefits including:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- 1pm finish on Fridays
- Pension scheme
- Electric car & cycle-to-work schemes
- Employee discounts
What You'll Do in This Role
- Support and deliver procurement strategies aligned to business and programme objectives.
- Take ownership of defined supplier categories and sourcing activities.
- Build strong supplier relationships and manage performance across delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
- Lead supplier selection, RFQs, negotiations, and procurement activities within assigned programmes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Planning, and Programmes teams.
- Support new product introduction (NPI), design changes, and production readiness activities.
- Analyze demand forecasts and translate requirements into effective procurement plans.
- Identify and mitigate supply-chain risks, including capacity constraints and single-source dependencies.
- Drive cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure procurement activities meet compliance, traceability, and aerospace quality requirements.
What We're Looking For
- Strong procurement experience within a manufacturing or regulated environment.
- Proven experience managing suppliers and leading sourcing or negotiation activities.
- Experience working with demand planning, forecasting, or supply planning processes.
- Strong understanding of supplier performance management and KPI tracking.
- Knowledge of quality, compliance, and traceability requirements within regulated industries.
- Experience working cross-functionally in programme or project-based environments.
- Confident communicator with strong organisational and risk management skills.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision-making.
- Aerospace, aircraft interiors, or complex engineered product experience preferred.
- Professional procurement or supply chain qualifications (CIPS, CPSM, APICS) beneficial.
Ready to help build the supply chain behind world-class aircraft seating? Apply now — we'd love to hear from you.
Unum Aircraft Seating is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and respected. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to commencing employment. At Unum, we're dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all applicants and a first-class candidate experience. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.
Procurement Lead in Crawley employer: Unum Aircraft Seating Limited
Contact Detail:
Unum Aircraft Seating Limited 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 people in the aerospace industry, especially those at Unum or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Unum's culture and values. They’re all about collaboration and innovation, so think of examples from your past that showcase these traits. Show them you’re a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Unum team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Lead in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Lead. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, supplier management, and any specific achievements that align with what we're looking for at Unum Aircraft Seating.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for procurement and how your values align with our culture of collaboration and innovation. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about joining Unum!
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your skills in action! Be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed suppliers, led negotiations, or implemented procurement strategies in your previous roles. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth 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 Unum Aircraft Seating Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement strategies and supplier management skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead sourcing activities and manage supplier performance.
✨Understand the Aerospace Industry
Familiarise yourself with the aerospace sector, especially regarding compliance and quality requirements. Showing that you understand the unique challenges of this industry will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, be prepared to talk about how you've successfully collaborated with teams like Engineering and Operations in the past. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with their culture.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Culture
Unum values a positive and inclusive working environment, so come armed with questions about their company culture. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in being part of their community.