Strategic Procurement Specialist

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Salary: GBP
65000 - GBP
85000 per hour

Strategic Procurement Specialist (6-Month Contract)

Are you an experienced procurement professional with a strong strategic background looking for a contract where you can make a real impact?

Our client, a leading manufacturer within the defence sector, is looking to appoint a Strategic Procurement Specialist on an initial 6-month contract
. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to take ownership of strategic sourcing activities, working alongside an established team of tactical and operational buyers to strengthen supplier performance, improve commercial outcomes and support long‑term business objectives.

This is a stand‑alone strategic role, ideal for someone who enjoys influencing at all levels, building supplier partnerships and developing procurement strategies that deliver real value.

Reporting into senior leadership, you'll be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies that support a complex manufacturing operation. You'll act as the strategic procurement expert, complementing the work of the operational purchasing team and helping to shape the future direction of the supply chain.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering strategic sourcing and category management plans.
• Identifying and implementing cost reduction and value improvement initiatives.
• Leading supplier negotiations and establishing long‑term commercial agreements.
• Building and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Supporting and guiding the tactical and operational buying team on strategic procurement activities.
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks to ensure continuity of supply.
• Working closely with engineering, production, quality and planning functions to align procurement strategy with business needs.
• Driving supplier performance, innovation and continuous improvement.

We're looking for someone who is commercially astute, influential and capable of operating independently while building strong relationships across the business.

You'll have:

• Significant procurement and strategic sourcing experience within a manufacturing environment (essential).
• Proven experience developing procurement strategies and delivering measurable commercial benefits.
• Strong negotiation, supplier relationship management and contract management skills.
• The confidence to work autonomously while influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with in aerospace, automotive, defence or another highly regulated manufacturing environment would be advantageous.

• Initial 6-month contract with the opportunity to make an immediate impact.
• A highly autonomous role with genuine strategic influence.
• The chance to shape procurement best practice within a successful defence manufacturer.
• Excellent rate of pay, dependent on experience.