Solutions Driven is hiring on behalf of our client, who is a manufacturer in the aerospace and high-tech electronics sector. This role is based near Reading, England, with a Hybrid working mode (3 days onsite).
Overall
This role is critical to our success, acting as a pivotal link between the early program development, bid proposals, and the strategic establishment of a robust, competitive, and reliable supply chain. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of strategic sourcing principles, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to achieve optimal outcomes for complex aerospace and defence programs.
Main Duties:
Procurement Bid & Proposal Support:
* Act as the primary procurement point of contact for new business pursuits, bid proposals, and strategic procurement initiatives.
* Provide early supply chain intelligence, including market analysis, supplier capabilities, and long-lead item identification, to support "make vs. buy" decisions.
* Develop comprehensive cost estimates for materials and services, leveraging market data, historical performance, and supplier insights.
* Lead and participate in strategic supplier engagements during the bid phase, including RFQ development, proposal evaluation, and preliminary negotiations to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
* Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with new programs, including single-source dependencies, geopolitical factors, and technical challenges.
* Contribute to the development of winning bid strategies by identifying opportunities for cost reduction, innovation, and supply chain optimization.
* Ensure compliance with all internal procurement policies, government regulations, and customer flow-down requirements during the bid process.
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management for Programs
* Translate program requirements into strategic sourcing plans, defining the optimal supply chain for new and existing products.
* Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers that align with the client's strategic objectives and program needs.
* Make use of category strategies for assigned commodities, focusing on total cost of ownership (TCO), quality, delivery, and technology alignment.
* Lead complex contract negotiations with suppliers, establishing long-term agreements, pricing structures, and performance metrics.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base, including supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and cost reduction opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
* Collaborate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to ensure seamless material flow and support program execution.
* Proactively monitor supplier performance against established KPIs, address issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.
General Procurement Responsibilities
* Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP), including supplier information, pricing, and contract details.
* Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and supply market dynamics to inform sourcing strategies.
* Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced buyers as required.
* Participate in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and tools.
Education/Experience
* Bachelor's degree in a relevant field [e.g., Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field].
* Mid-Level: 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related supply chain role.
Special Qualifications
* Desirable- Full member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)