Purchasing Manager

Saab UK; Fareham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and security company in Fareham seeks a Purchasing Manager to oversee procurement and supplier management activities. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in procurement within the defence sector, excellent negotiation and contract management skills, and a good understanding of UK MoD practices. This position offers the chance to play a critical role in a high-stakes environment supporting national defence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement within the defence or aerospace sector.
• Good understanding of UK defence procurement practices.
• Strong skills in negotiation and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies.
• Manage supplier selection and contract negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with defence procurement regulations.
• Lead supplier relationship management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Procurement management

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Education

MCIPS qualification or working towards

Job description

Introduction

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 500 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

What you will be part of:

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

The Role

The Purchasing Manager will oversee all procurement and supplier management activities, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of materials, components, and services. Operating within the UK's regulated defence environment, the role requires a good grasp of Ministry of Defence (MoD) procurement practices, DEFCON terms, and export control requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with business objectives, programme milestones, and customer requirements.
• Manage supplier selection, tendering, and contract negotiations to secure best value while ensuring quality, security, and delivery performance.
• Ensure compliance with UK defence procurement regulations, MoD standards, DEFCON terms, and international trade controls (e.g. ITAR, EAR).
• Lead supplier relationship management, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation to maintain a resilient supply chain.
• Work closely with engineering, quality assurance, compliance, and project management teams to meet technical and programme requirements.
• Support audits, reporting, and governance processes, ensuring full transparency and traceability across all procurement activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including cost reduction, lead-time optimisation, and supplier innovation.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the procurement team, ensuring capability development and high professional standards.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain management within the defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated sector.
• Good understanding of UK defence procurement practices, MoD contracting frameworks, and export control legislation.
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier development skills.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to balance cost, quality, delivery, and compliance priorities.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Security clearance (or eligibility) in line with UK MoD requirements.
• MCIPS qualification (or working towards).
• Experience managing high-value, long-term defence contracts.
• Knowledge of international defence supply chains and offset requirements.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.