Procurement Specialists - Defence Sector

Westlakes Recruit; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialised procurement solutions provider in the UK Defence Sector is seeking Procurement Specialists/Managers to join their team. Candidates should have a solid background in procurement within defence or related areas, emphasizing strategic advising, contract management, and stakeholder engagement. The role offers diverse challenges and the opportunity to contribute to significant projects. Applicants are encouraged to showcase passion for improving outcomes and working in a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in procurement within defence, construction, or infrastructure.
• Extensive experience in Procurement, Contract Management, and/or Contract Placement.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant contract frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist procurement strategy and advice to Defence clients.
• Identify, source, and acquire goods ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Develop procurement strategies aligned with project objectives.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Professional qualification in Business, Procurement/Supply Chain Management, Law or Project Management

Tools

New Engineering Contract (NEC3/NEC4)

Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)

Job description

About you

As a candidate for this role, you will not only have procurement experience built from a career in a relevant sector, but you will also want to be part of a high-functioning team focussed on delivering world-class outcomes to our ever-growing network of Defence clients.

We understand that people can contribute to our team and mission in a variety of ways, even if they do not possess all the experiences and skills listed below. While possessing most of the following could be advantageous, our focus is on meeting people that are equally passionate about making the difference and want to work towards delivering better outcomes for our clients.

If you are excited about working with us and have relevant skills or experiences that you think can add value to our teams and clients, we would encourage you to apply.

Job Description

We are currently seeking skilled Procurement Specialists / Managers interested in working within the UK Defence Sector to be part of our growing Defence Team.

As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to be involved in and contribute to some of the most exciting and interesting challenges that face the UK Defence Sector today, in both the public and private sector.

Owing to the nature of our business and our diverse portfolio of clients, no two roles are the same and we encourage candidates with different backgrounds, skills and experiences to consider this role. While each role is different, you can expect to perform some or all the following functions and responsibilities:

• Providing specialist procurement strategy, advice, and guidance to public and private sector Defence clients.
• Identifying, sourcing, and acquiring goods and / or services, ensuring that procurement activities adhere to relevant Public Sector and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with project objectives and client policies.
• Preparing and developing tender packs and delivering a tendering process, working in a strategic procurement environment.
• Negotiating, supporting, developing, drafting, and awarding contracts (and contract changes) either individually or as part of a team.
• Managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Collaborating with a team on end-to-end procurement services for major projects or programmes.

Required Experience and Skills

Proven track record in procurement within defence, construction, or infrastructure industries.

Extensive experience of Procurement, Contract Management, and/or Contract Placement (sourcing) in sole source and competitive markets.

In-depth knowledge and experience of New Engineering Contract (NEC3/NEC4) and/or Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contract frameworks.

Experience in delivering service quality to clients and/or customer (internal or external) and may be responsible for dealing regularly with stakeholders on complex, controversial and contentious issues. You must have:

• Experience in chairing internal and external meetings involving senior stakeholders.
• Proven negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of liaising with diverse stakeholders.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

Qualifications

Professional qualification(s) in Business, Procurement/Supply Chain Management, Law, Project Management or a similar relevant discipline, or an equivalent level of relevant experience.

Trained in, or holds a sufficient level of experience of, Qualifying Defence Contracts (QDC), Defence and Security Public Contracting Regulations (DSPCR), the Public Contract Regulations (PCR) and/or the Procurement Act 2023.

Why We're Different

Westlakes Recruit are a people solutions business that understands the complexities of nuclear and the importance of our clients' mission critical objectives.

Smarter, faster, more agile - we have a laser focus on nuclear, with deep sectoral knowledge.

We develop nuclear talent pools before you know you need them! We do Nuclear. We only do Nuclear. We do all of Nuclear.

Powering a Diverse Nuclear Future: As an equal opportunities business, we value all applications