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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for aerospace and defence materials, optimising global spend.
- Company: Global manufacturing leader that values innovation and employee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected organisation while shaping procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement, ideally in aerospace or defence sectors.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 46200 - 66000 £ per year.
Sourcing Manager – Direct Materials (Aerospace & Defence)
£55,000+ benefits -Hybrid working
📍Cheltenham | 🌍 Global Manufacturing Business | 🏭 Strategic Procurement Role
A leading global manufacturing organisation based in the South West is seeking a commercially astute Sourcing Manager to lead the strategic management of direct spend categories, primarily materials used in the aerospace and defence sectors.
This newly created role has been established to further develop and optimise global category spend, creating long-term value through enhanced strategies, supplier development, and robust data-led decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement global sourcing strategies for direct materials used in aerospace and defence applications.
- Manage and nurture supplier relationships, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
- Negotiate and manage contracts, driving commercial value and risk mitigation.
- Analyse global market trends to inform procurement decisions and maintain a competitive edge.
- Monitor and report on supply chain performance, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, quality, operations, etc.) to ensure procurement strategies align with business objectives.
About You:
- Proven experience in strategic procurement or sourcing, ideally within a complex manufacturing environment.
- Deep understanding of direct materials sourcing – experience within aerospace or defence industries highly advantageous.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to use data and relationships to influence decisions and drive value.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to operate in a global matrix organisation.
- A proactive, analytical thinker who thrives on solving complex sourcing challenges and developing long-term strategies.
Why Join?
- Be part of a highly respected global organisation that truly values its people and their development.
- Play a pivotal role in shaping and leading category strategy across global operations.
- Join a business where your strategic input and commercial insight will make a tangible impact
If this sounds of interest then please apply.
Sourcing Manager employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Sourcing Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want to show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the market trends in aerospace and defence. This will definitely impress your interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Sourcing Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to drive commercial value. We suggest role-playing with a friend or using online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sourcing Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement, especially in aerospace and defence. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've developed sourcing strategies or managed supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves data-led decision-making, don’t forget to mention your analytical skills. We love candidates who can use data to drive value and make informed decisions, so give us some examples!
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 you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of direct materials sourcing, especially in the aerospace and defence sectors. Familiarise yourself with current market trends and be ready to discuss how they could impact procurement decisions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve driven commercial value and mitigated risks. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing contracts and how you ensure alignment with quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in nurturing supplier relationships. Think of specific instances where you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives, as this will demonstrate your stakeholder management skills.
✨Be an Analytical Thinker
Prepare to discuss how you analyse data to inform your sourcing strategies. Share examples of how your analytical skills have helped solve complex sourcing challenges and led to long-term strategic development.
