Head of Procurement

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General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems.

Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV's. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

We are currently hiring a Head of Procurement to lead a team of procurement professionals in delivering a unified procurement strategy that supports manufacturing, programs, compliance, and key business objectives across the full product life cycle. This role requires close collaboration across all business functions to align procurement and supply chain activities with organisational priorities.

In this role, you will provide senior leadership across all supply chain activities within GDMS-UK, driving growth, operational excellence, and transformational change in alignment with the business plan. You will oversee supply chain resources to ensure the organisation has the skills, capabilities, and processes required to achieve financial and strategic objectives. You will also develop and maintain strategic relationships with critical suppliers, fostering long-term partnerships that support shared objectives around cost, delivery reliability, and performance.

This role includes financial oversight of material revenue, departmental overhead, program performance estimates, negotiated savings, and identification of risks and opportunities. You will play a key role in shaping future business opportunities through leadership in the customer tender process. Strong communication and collaboration are essential, as you will align supply chain priorities with business needs while cultivating relationships with senior leadership, internal stakeholders, and strategic suppliers.

You will work closely with other senior leaders to ensure long-term alignment on talent development, process improvement, and technology deployment.

• Leading the Procurement team (Procurement Manager, Program Manager, Bids & Material Costing, and Buyers) and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Setting and communicating procurement strategy, priorities, and expectations to drive consistent execution and accountability.
• Delivering timely, cost-effective, and high-quality materials that meet manufacturing and service requirements.
• Developing product cost and supply road maps that support program needs, drive commonality, and position the business for future opportunities.
• Leading Design-to-Cost initiatives and strategic sourcing approaches that deliver competitive pricing, cost avoidance, and improved market positioning.
• Articulating and aligning all mission-critical requirements, including forecasts, project deliverables, acquisition strategies, supplier development, and risk management across stakeholders.
• Managing material financial performance, including baselines, targets, negotiated savings, estimates at completion, and risk/opportunity analysis.
• Leveraging analytical insights to identify trends, anticipate risks and opportunities, and recommend strategic actions.
• Driving rigorous supplier due…