Head of Supply Chain

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Company pension

33 days holiday

Job summary

Navantia UK is seeking a Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals to lead competitive, compliant supply chain solutions for defence programmes. Bristol-based preferred, with travel to Appledore, Belfast or Methil and to supplier locations as required.

You will shape sourcing strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships and drive risk-aware procurement across early development to contract award and delivery.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a complex procurement or programme environment.
• Strong procurement, contracting and cost-analysis capability.
• Experience with complex contract models and business cases.
• Understanding of contract law and defence procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team delivering robust supply chain input across bids and proposals.
• Develop sourcing strategies balancing cost, quality, delivery and risk.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Commercial and Legal teams on procurement packages.
• Lead supplier engagement and negotiations with clear recommendations for approval.
• Build insight into UK and global supply chain capability and opportunities.
• Develop supplier relationships and lead reviews with key strategic suppliers.
• Drive category management, cost reduction and digitalisation.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

Negotiation

Cost analysis

Contracting

Supplier relationship management

Risk management

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

CIPS/APICS/CSCP/PMP beneficial

Tools

ERP systems

Bid tools

ITAR / export controls

Job description

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, security and energy transition ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Job Description

Head of Supply Chain

Location: Preferably Bristol, with Appledore, Belfast or Methil also considered. Travel to other Navinta sites and supplier locations will be required.

Navantia UK is looking for a Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals to lead the development of competitive, compliant and resilient supply chain solutions for our defence programmes. This is an opportunity to shape sourcing strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships and support major bids from early development through to contract award and delivery.

What you’ll do

• Lead a small team delivering robust supply chain input across bids and proposals.
• Develop contracting and sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, technology and risk.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Commercial and Legal teams on procurement packages, specifications, delivery models and cost models.
• Lead supplier engagement and negotiations, securing contract-quality offers and clear recommendations for approval.
• Build insight into global and UK supply chain capability, capacity and emerging opportunities.
• Develop high-performing supplier relationships and lead reviews with key strategic suppliers.
• Drive category management, cost reduction, value engineering, continuous improvement and digitalisation.
• Identify strategic supply chain risks and put effective management plans in place.

What you’ll bring

• Leadership experience in a complex maritime, construction, defence, aerospace or project-based environment.
• Strong procurement, commercial, contracting, negotiation and cost-analysis capability.
• Experience of complex contract models and business cases, ideally supporting NATO or Ministry of Defence contracts.
• A sound understanding of contract law, defence procurement, financial modelling and supplier risk.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with senior suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, bid tools and export or security requirements such as ITAR.

You’ll have the opportunity to influence supply chain strategy across significant UK defence programmes, lead meaningful supplier partnerships and help create long-term competitive advantage for Navantia UK.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, identities and experiences.

Qualifications

A relevant degree or equivalent experience; professional qualifications such as CIPS, APICS, CSCP or PMP are beneficial.

Additional Information

The package:

• Competitive base pay
• Company pension
• 33 days holiday

***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.