Sourcing Lead

Job Title:Sourcing Lead

Location: Bedfordshire - Hybrid

About the role

The Procurement Directorate is a newly formed directorate as of 2026. We have the exciting challenge of meeting the demands of our customers and building a robust UK Supply Chain.

Role purpose:

To lead and support the procurement and sourcing activities of the Mechanical Structures domain, to be the lead and focal point for a number of RFx events. Working with the Category Manager, Supply Chain Manager and the key stakeholders to drive procurement excellence, implementing new suppliers to future proof the supply chain and to secure the ramp up today

Key responsibilities:

Sourcing:

• Produce and lead sourcing activities in line with category and domain strategy, ensuring procurement best practice is followed, in line with policy.
• Lead and support activities to increase supply chain
• Be able to undertake the prerequisite research, i.e. spend analysis, segmentation, future analysis, market analysis
• Be proficient in utilising procurement tools (Kraljic, Porters, etc.)
• Be able to present the sourcing outcome to senior stakeholders and justify decisions/outcome of sourcing activities, demonstrating how risks have been mitigated
• Jointly lead supplier development activities with Supply Chain Managers, complimenting their technical excellence as a commercial lead

Contract Development & Negotiations:

• Have an understanding of English contract Law
• Be able to interpret commercial discussions from a supplier to ensure the best commercial position is implemented.
• Draft and implement the relevant commercial agreement for the situation
• Lead in defining negotiation strategies
• Identify and implement specific planned saving initiatives

Risk Management

• Identify supplier risks
• Manage in line with company processes and procedures
• Present risks mitigation plans to obtain sponsorship from across the business.

Change Management

• Ensure onboarding of suppliers is undertaken with the handover period from existing suppliers to new is managed alongside the Multi-Functional Team
• Support Procurement Transversal improvement initiatives

Skillset/experience required:

• Able to work in a team and lead complex procurement discussions
• CIPS qualified or equivalent experience
• Experience in running complex RFx
• Product Lifecycle Awareness: Solid understanding of how sourcing strategies shift across the product lifecycle (NPI, Low-Rate Initial Production, Full-Rate Ramp Up, and Legacy/Sustainment).
• Data & Cost Architecture: Ability to analyse open-book cost models, machine/load-centre rates, and buy-to-fly ratios to drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reductions.

I am keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next Sourcing Lead, this is the opportunity for you!

You will need to hold or be eligible to hold SC clearance.

So, if you are interested in joining a well-established, renowned organisation working with experts in their field as the next Sourcing Lead, hit that apply button now!

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