Procurement Agent

Mane Contract Services; Gosport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Mane Contract Services is seeking a Procurement Agent for a 12-month contract in Gosport, Hampshire, to drive strategic supplier performance on a major defence aviation programme. The role requires strong supplier management, negotiation, and risk mitigation to ensure value and performance targets are met.

Based primarily in Gosport with hybrid working (minimum 3 days on-site), you will lead commercial discussions, monitor subcontract performance, and collaborate with programme teams to deliver

Qualifications

• Significant procurement and supplier management experience, including subcontract management or contract management.
• Experience operating in the Defence sector.
• Knowledge of UK MoD contractual requirements and procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage a major maintenance and support subcontract valued at over 100m.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and contractual requirements.
• Drive supplier accountability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned to programme objectives.
• Lead contract negotiations and issue resolution activities.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, operational, and supply chain risks.
• Foster strong supplier relationships and value creation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams across programme, engineering, commercial, and finance.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier management

Subcontract management

Commercial contract management

Defence sector experience

UK MoD procurement knowledge

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Procurement Agent (12-Month Contract)

Gosport, Hampshire (Hybrid Working Minimum 3 Days On-Site)

Drive Strategic Supplier Performance on Critical Defence Aviation Programmes

We are seeking an experienced Procurement Agent to join a major aerospace and defence programme supporting the sustainment and operational readiness of military rotary-wing aircraft. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused procurement professional with strong supplier management and contract negotiation experience to play a key role in managing a high-value maintenance and support contract worth in excess of 100m. Working within the Vertical Lift programme, you'll collaborate with suppliers, programme teams, commercial stakeholders, and government customers to drive supplier performance, mitigate risk, and deliver continuous improvement across a critical defence capability.

The Opportunity

As a key member of the Supplier Management & Procurement team, you will be responsible for the management of a major subcontract supporting the maintenance, repair, and operational availability of military helicopter fleets. Based primarily in Gosport, you will work closely with supplier maintenance teams and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure contractual obligations, performance targets, and programme objectives are achieved. This role requires an individual who can influence at all levels, build strong supplier relationships, lead complex negotiations, and deliver measurable value across a strategically important programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a major maintenance and support subcontract valued at over 100m.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs, service levels, and contractual requirements.
• Drive supplier accountability, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement procurement and supplier management strategies aligned to programme objectives.
• Lead commercial discussions, contract negotiations, and issue resolution activities.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, operational, and supply chain risks.
• Foster strong supplier relationships that encourage innovation, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
• Work collaboratively across programme, engineering, commercial, finance, and operational teams.
• Define procurement requirements aligned to customer and programme needs.
• Execute contractual documents and binding agreements.
• Monitor supplier delivery, quality performance, financial stability, and in-service support outcomes.
• Support the development of future supply chain strategies and transformation initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in procurement, supplier management, subcontract management, or commercial contract management
• Experience operating within the Defence sector
• Knowledge of UK MoD contractual requirements and procurement processes

Strong commercial acumen with the ability to:

• Draft and review contractual language
• Negotiate terms and conditions
• Interpret complex contractual obligations
• Strong stakeholder and supplier relationship management skills
• Proven experience managing multiple competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP/ERP systems
• Ability to travel between sites when required

Desirable

• Understanding of rotary-wing aircraft platforms and support programmes
• Experience supporting military aviation sustainment contracts
• MCIPS accreditation
• Experience driving supplier performance and operational improvement initiatives

Key Personal Attributes

We’re looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Accountability and ownership
• Adaptability in changing environments
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Strategic thinking and decision-making capability
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Innovation and creativity in problem-solving
• Collaborative working style
• Commitment to learning and professional development

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to support a critical UK defence aviation programme.
• Work within a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Influence strategic supplier relationships and programme outcomes.
• Lead meaningful continuous improvement and value creation activities.
• Join a forward-thinking procurement organisation focused on innovation and operational excellence.

Security Requirements

BPSS clearance is required.

Working Pattern

Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site in Gosport. Interested in joining a programme that plays a vital role in supporting UK defence capabilities? We’d love to hear from you.