Procurement Specialists - Defence Sector

Westlakes Recruit; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized recruitment agency is seeking skilled Procurement Specialists to join its Defence Team in the UK. The ideal candidates will have a proven procurement background in defence or related sectors, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach. Responsibilities include providing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and developing tender packs. This role offers the chance to contribute to vital projects in the Defence Sector, supporting clients' mission-critical objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in procurement within defence or related sectors.
• Extensive experience in procurement and contract management.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide procurement strategy and guidance to clients.
• Identify and source goods/services while adhering to regulations.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with objectives.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Education

Professional qualifications in Business or relevant discipline

Tools

New Engineering Contract (NEC3/NEC4)

Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)

Job description

Important

Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a SOLE UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). See Security Clearance Section. Already holding SC Clearance is desirable, however we advise that if you feel you would be a great candidate for this role, please apply.

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 focused 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 a 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.
• Developing and executing 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 customers (internal or external) and may be responsible for dealing regularly with stakeholders on complex, controversial and contentious issues.
• 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.

For more information on this role or to register your interest for future job updates, please visit (url removed).

Why We’re Different

Westlakes Recruit is 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.