Procurement Lead in Crawley

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.