Strategic Procurement Lead for Major Bids & Contracts

Draken Europe; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matching up to 12%

Bonus incentives

Discounted PMI

Electric car scheme

Tech vouchers

Wellbeing programmes

Job summary

Draken Europe is seeking an experienced Strategic Procurement Manager to shape procurement strategy across programmes and bid activities on Teesside. You will lead high‑value commercial negotiations, manage key supplier relationships, and drive cost‑effective supply solutions from bid through to contract award and in‑service support.

The role demands strong commercial acumen, governance and compliance knowledge, and a proactive, continuous improvement mindset.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and delivering procurement strategies within complex operational or manufacturing environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance cost, quality, risk, and delivery requirements.
• Experience leading complex commercial and contractual negotiations.
• Strong contract management skills, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements.
• Knowledge of intellectual property considerations within commercial contracts.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, supplier performance, and strategic sourcing activities.
• Strong analytical capabilities with experience using ERP systems and supplier intelligence tools.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• A thorough understanding of procurement governance, compliance, and best practice.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a passion for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned to business objectives and programme requirements.
• Analyse market conditions, supplier landscapes, and industry trends to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Support strategic decision-making through make-versus-buy assessments and commercial evaluations.
• Lead procurement activities for major bids and programmes, ensuring timely and competitive submissions.
• Provide procurement input throughout the programme lifecycle, including bid/no-bid decisions and engineering reviews.
• Support programme milestones while balancing cost, quality, risk, and schedule considerations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
• Lead tendering activities, supplier selection processes, and contract negotiations.
• Manage supplier performance through agreed KPIs, driving continuous improvement and supply chain resilience.
• Ensure contracts effectively manage commercial risks and deliver value to the business.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, legal requirements, export control regulations, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and supply chain risks.
• Maintain governance, documentation, and procurement compliance throughout all procurement activities.
• Capture and report savings and cost avoidance opportunities in line with agreed methodologies.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Supplier relationship management

Contract management

ERP systems

Data analysis

Communication and influencing

Procurement governance and compliance

Continuous improvement

Education

CIPS Certification (or working towards)

Tools

ERP systems

JOSCAR

Job description

Draken Europe is seeking an experienced Strategic Procurement Manager to shape procurement strategy across programmes and bid activities on Teesside. You will lead high‑value commercial negotiations, manage key supplier relationships, and drive cost‑effective supply solutions from bid through to contract award and in‑service support.

The role demands strong commercial acumen, governance and compliance knowledge, and a proactive, continuous improvement mindset.