Head of Procurement

Internetwork Expert; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company in Newcastle upon Tyne seeks a Head of Procurement to shape the future of its supply chain. This role involves leading strategic purchasing and developing supplier relationships that ensure quality and continuity. The ideal candidate will have extensive procurement experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to make data-driven decisions. Enjoy a competitive salary and unique benefits in a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

25 days’ holiday + public holidays

Free breakfast and cooked lunches

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Salary sacrifice schemes

Paid team socials

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Proven track record in strategic sourcing and supplier development.
• Strong strategic and operational procurement background.
• Familiar with ISO 9001 and supplier audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategy and drive long-term value.
• Establish procurement policies for efficiency and compliance.
• Manage and mentor the procurement team.

Skills

Strong negotiation

Communication

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Education

MCIPS Level 6

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a commercially driven Head of Procurement to shape the future of our supply chain and lead strategic purchasing across the business. This is a high‑impact role for an experienced procurement leader who can balance long‑term strategy with day‑to‑day delivery, ensuring we partner with the very best suppliers to drive growth, resilience and innovation.

You’ll head up our procurement and materials functions, develop best‑in‑class sourcing strategies, and own supplier relationships at senior level – ensuring quality, compliance and continuity of supply for our mission‑critical technology.

Who We Are

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra‑high performance, real‑time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Join a high‑energy, collaborative team where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do.

Here’s what our benefits have to offer

Competitive remuneration package, salary from £70,000 with performance‑related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.

25 days’ holiday + public holidays, with long‑service rewards and the option to buy up to 5 additional days.

Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.

Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.

Life assurance for peace of mind.

Salary sacrifice schemes – including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.

Paid team socials – from quiz nights and football to board games and more; we love to have fun together.

Pension plan with employer‑matched contributions to help you plan for the future.

A culture that empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

Lead procurement strategy and drive long‑term value.

• Develop and implement a company‑wide procurement strategy aligned with business goals
• Establish procurement policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance
• Champion continuous improvement and supplier innovation

Supplier Management

Build strong, collaborative supplier partnerships.

• Lead strategic supplier selection, negotiation and performance management
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements in quality, lead times, and reliability

Risk, Quality & Compliance

Safeguard the business and supply chain.

• Identify and mitigate operational, commercial and regulatory risks
• Oversee supplier audits and ensure procurement meets ethical standards

Team Leadership

Develop and empower a high‑performing team.

• Manage and mentor purchasing, materials planning and supplier quality
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with production, engineering, finance and contracts teams

Continuous Improvement & Value Delivery

Deliver cost savings and process efficiency.

• Lead total cost of ownership and lifecycle value initiatives
• Support lean, digital and procurement process improvement projects

What You’ll Bring

Proven Experience

Strong strategic and operational procurement background.

• Strong, progressive procurement or supply chain experience, including leadership
• Track record in strategic sourcing, supplier development and contract management
• ERP proficiency with analytical and commercial insight

Commercial & Analytical Skills

Make smart, data‑driven decisions.

• Strong negotiation, communication and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable decisions

Leadership & Collaboration

Inspire teams and build trusted relationships.

• People‑focused, collaborative and able to manage multiple stakeholders
• Calm under pressure and proactive when facing supply disruptions

Qualifications

• MCIPS Level 6, experience with ISO 9001, supplier audits or lean improvement

Industry Experience

• Experience in a technical sector within Engineering or Manufacturing. Defence sector experience is a plus.

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission

Be a world‑leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.

Values

Be a Good Egg

Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest.

Do cool stuff

We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done.

Be empowered

We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility.

We are one team

Look out for each other and the team.

Things go wrong

Fail fast, learn and move on.

Have fun

We’re doing amazing things with passionate people.