Senior Procurement Lead / Aviation Supply Chain Manager (Aerospace / Defence)
South Coast, UK | Hybrid Working | Competitive Salary + Benefits
A specialist aviation and defence engineering organisation on the South Coast is seeking a Senior Procurement Lead / Aviation Supply Chain Manager to support operational delivery and strategic procurement activity across a complex, regulated environment.
This role combines hands-on operational procurement with strategic supplier and contract management, supporting programmes that deliver critical aviation capability. You will oversee the sourcing of aircraft components, materials, subsystems and services while ensuring supply chain resilience, regulatory compliance and cost-effective procurement delivery.
Working closely with engineering, programmes, operations and supply chain teams, you will play a key role in ensuring the organisation maintains a reliable and compliant supply of materials and systems that support aircraft operations and programme delivery.
The Role
* Lead procurement activity across aircraft components, consumables, raw materials and programme systems
* Develop and implement procurement strategies supporting operational and programme objectives
* Manage and develop supplier relationships, sourcing strategies and contract negotiations
* Support major programme bids, supplier selection and commercial negotiations
* Ensure procurement activity complies with aviation and trade control regulations (EASA / UK CAA / MAA)
* Coordinate with engineering and programme teams to ensure procurement supports technical requirements and delivery milestones
* Identify and manage supply chain risk, long-lead materials and supplier performance
* Support the development of procurement processes, governance frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives
* Lead or mentor junior procurement staff where applicable
Experience Required
* Experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain roles within aerospace, defence, aviation engineering or complex manufacturing environments
* Proven ability to manage supplier relationships, sourcing strategies and commercial negotiations
* Strong understanding of procurement processes, supply chain risk management and supplier performance management
* Experience working in regulated environments with awareness of aviation regulations or defence procurement frameworks
* Experience using ERP systems, procurement platforms or supplier management tools
* Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration skills
Desirable
* Experience sourcing aircraft components, aviation materials or technical systems
* Knowledge of EASA / UK CAA / Military Aviation Authority regulatory frameworks
* Experience supporting programme lifecycle milestones, bids or complex engineering projects
* CIPS or relevant procurement qualification
* Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)
Search Keywords
Procurement Manager, Senior Buyer, Aviation Procurement, Aerospace Procurement, Defence Procurement, Supply Chain Manager, Strategic Buyer, Aircraft Components Procurement, Aerospace Supply Chain, Aviation Purchasing, MRO Procurement, Aircraft Materials Procurement.