Sourcing Lead

A leading defence organisation are looking for a Sourcing Lead to play a pivotal role in strengthening critical supply chains, leading strategic sourcing initiatives, and influencing key procurement decisions during a significant period of growth.

• Role: Sourcing Lead
• Duration: 6-month contract
• Pay: Up to 60 p/hr (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)
• Location: Stevenage
• Working Pattern: 2 / 3 days onsite

As Sourcing Lead, you'll take ownership of end-to-end sourcing activities, working closely with Category Managers, Supply Chain Managers, and senior stakeholders across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading strategic RFx and sourcing events from market analysis through to supplier selection
• Developing sourcing strategies aligned to category and business objectives
• Conducting spend analysis, supplier segmentation, market intelligence, and opportunity assessments
• Driving supplier expansion and onboarding initiatives to improve resilience and capacity
• Developing commercial agreements and supporting contract negotiations
• Presenting sourcing recommendations and business cases to senior stakeholders
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating supply chain and commercial risks
• Delivering cost-saving and value improvement initiatives through robust procurement practices

You'll be at the forefront of strategic sourcing activity, driving major RFx events, identifying and onboarding new suppliers, mitigating supply chain risks, and helping shape procurement strategy across a vital mechanical structures portfolio.

Key Requirements:

• Eligible for BPSS clearance
• Proven experience leading strategic sourcing activities and RFx events
• Exposure to manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defence, automotive, or other complex environments
• Strong procurement, category management, or lead buying background
• Ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies
• Experience conducting supplier and market analysis
• Experience presenting recommendations to senior leadership teams
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Understanding of English Contract Law
• Experience with procurement frameworks and tools such as Kraljic and Porter's models
• Knowledge of supplier risk management and mitigation planning
• Experience analysing cost models and total cost of ownership

A great opportunity to work within a newly formed procurement function and lead on high-profile procurement initiatives.

If you're well versed in sourcing activities, local to Stevenage and looking for an impactful role, apply now!