Assistant Procurement Manager

Symmetric Recruitment Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Commercial Defence company seeks an experienced Assistant Procurement Manager in Bristol. This pivotal role offers responsibility for managing procurement projects, supplier strategies, and negotiations within a high-performing team. Join to drive operational improvements and development in a hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Excellent career progression

Personal development support

Fantastic Bonus

Strong work-life balance culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain, preferably within Defence, Aerospace, or Engineering.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Confident with supplier metrics and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement process from RFQ to contract award.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and cost-saving programmes.
• Build and manage key supplier relationships.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract Management

Analytical Skills

Strategic Thinking

Tools

ERP Systems

Job description

Assistant Procurement Manager
Bristol (Hybrid Working)

Great Opportunity To Help Drive Strategic Procurement

We are working on behalf of a globally respected Commercial Defence company seeking an experienced, commercially astute Assistant Procurement Manager to strengthen its Bristol-based Commercial team.

Offering an excellent working environment and the opportunity to assist with leading a cohesive talented team.

You ll play a pivotal role in managing complex procurement projects across engineering, defence, and manufacturing supply chains supporting mission-critical programmes for clients including Rolls-Royce and the MoD.

The Opportunity:

This is a progressive role ideal for a procurement professional ready to take the next step in their career. Working closely with the Procurement Lead, you will be responsible for supplier strategy, sourcing excellence, contract negotiations, and driving operational improvements across a high-value portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the procurement process from RFQ through to contract award
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives, cost-saving programmes, and risk mitigation
• Build and manage key supplier relationships to ensure performance and value
• Oversee order book integrity, contract compliance, and ERP data accuracy
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement with project deliverables
• Contribute to commercial negotiations and supplier development strategies
• Ensure alignment with contractual terms, KPI frameworks, and long-term agreements

Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain (preferrably within Defence, Aerospace, Martitme or Engineering)
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and analytical skills
• Confident working with ERP systems and supplier metrics
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to delivery
• Ambitious, driven, and looking to grow into a Procurement Manager role

Why Join?

• Be part of a high-performing, values-driven team
• Excellent career progression and personal development support
• Fantastic Bonus
• Hybrid flexibility and a strong work-life balance culture