The Procurement Manager is the supply chain expert who specialises in the management of a cost-effective and strategic purchasing operation in support of our business activities. You will spearhead the purchasing process from selecting suppliers to ensuring stock optimisation, by putting in place improved controls and measures, and engaging directly with our most strategic suppliers. As the expert on procurement, you will be the go-to person on sourcing and procurement processes for the wider business. You will ensure that quality control and adherence to the companys policies and procedures on supply chain management is achieved and strive to provide a best-in-class service at all times. Integral to the role is the responsibility for leading, coaching and mentoring a small team of direct reports to ensure that they reach their full potential in the role. Duties: Deliver full procurement support to all departments, with a particularly emphasis on negotiating requirements including raw materials, build to print assemblies, electronic components, engineering services, through life and subcontract / partner services Prioritise and make strategic decisions in your management of the day to day operations of the Supply Chain department Developing procurement strategies that are innovative and cost-effective in support of our projects Ensure the timely sourcing of all parts, components, materials, equipment, goods and services required to support the activities of the business and achieve sustained continual cost reduction, delivery and the highest quality targets Execute cross-functional sourcing activity, engaging stakeholder teams appropriately in order to put fit-for-purpose supply agreements in place and ensure that robust procurement processes are consistently applied in accordance with AS9100 Take ownership of the strategy for major spends, including ownership of strategic supplier relationships; play an influential role in negotiating, managing and developing collaborative supplier relationships Support major bid activity where there is a significant procurement requirement from an early assessment of risks, financial liabilities and constraints, through delivery to service Produce strategic procurement plans for the business that detail commitments and liabilities for bids, programmes and new product development activities Identify supply chain opportunities, new suppliers, negotiate / improve terms and supply agreements; where appropriate, critically asses, rationalise supplier portfolio and proactively develop under-performing suppliers Motivate, coach and develop your team to ensure they reach their full potential in the team Drive continuous process improvement to enhance the customers experience Conduct supplier visits and audits as required, perform cost, scenario analysis and benchmarking; ensure full KPI reporting and action management Qualifications, experience and skills: Preferably educated to degree level in a related discipline; supply chain management, logistics, or business administration and / or possess significant experience gained from operating in strategic lead procurement role Able and willing to become a fully qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or actively studying towards MCIPS status Proven and demonstrable hands-on experience of operating as a Procurement / Supply Chain Manager in a similar sector, with a strong emphasis on leadership, strategic procurement and new product introduction An understanding of strategic procurement within the areas of Electronics, Aerospace and Defence sectors could be beneficial as would any relevant experience within new and evolving technologies, including rapid growth electronics, communication networks or artificial intelligence Strong project management and presentation skills Well-developed IT Skills; MS Office, MRP and accounting systems i.e. SAGE Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven experience of building strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders Strong leadership skills; be approachable with a natural ability to build robust working relationships across the organisation Possess a high degree of influencing, negotiation and persuasion skills; demonstrating the ability build trust and develop relationships Professional, self-motivated and self-disciplined, with the ability to work to tight and demanding timescales Commercially astute with strong financial and analytical skills Have an aptitude for continuous improvement and possess resilience in order to overcome challenges and ambiguity and in doing so, achieve results Full clean UK driving licence, valid passport Hold or be able to hold at least SC clearance