Manufacturing Manager - Procurement

Scope

Leading the strategic and operational management of all procurement activities relating to production, ensuring a resilient, cost-effective, and compliant supply chain. This role will focus on sourcing critical materials and components while driving supplier performance, sustainability, and value creation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business and programme objectives evaluating the best route to market ensuring both compliance and value for money.
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes including sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier management for key contracts in collaboration with key business areas.
• Lead supplier performance reviews, ensuring adherence to quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by identifying and qualifying suppliers in line with aerospace regulatory requirements, customer requirements (e.g. Defence), and internal engineering requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Flight Operations, and Programme Teams to ensure procurement supports design-to-cost and project timelines.
• Drive cost reduction, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base.
• Prepare and present procurement reports, KPIs, and budget forecasts to senior management to, track performance and value delivery.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), and ethical procurement practices, where applicable
• Build ESG practices and auditing principles into the supply chain management.
• Promote collaboration between business and the supply chain to unlock value through innovation and best practice
• Work in accordance with company policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Other responsibilities as agreed with your manager.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead, mentor, and develop Procurement Team to achieve departmental and organisational objectives, establishing key targets for the existing small team whilst growing along with the pace of the business.
• Manage the existing procurement, MRP, and purchasing team.

Operational & Strategic Delivery

• Set clear team goals aligned with company targets and business strategy.
• Oversee day-to-day operations or project delivery within your function.
• Balance resource planning, risk management, and deadlines in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Manage Functional or Project Areas

• Own the delivery of critical functional or technical areas (e.g. project timelines, compliance, technical direction).
• Ensure outcomes meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Contribute Expertise

• Serve as a subject matter expert within the procurement domain.
• Guide and influence teams through technical leadership or coordination.

Drive Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with other managers (Manufacturing Production & Planning, Engineering Functional & Physical, Central Services, Sales & Marketing) to align priorities and workflows.
• Ensure effective two-way communication between your team and senior leadership.

Maintain Standards and Promote Continuous Improvement

• Uphold documentation, quality, and compliance standards across your area.
• Suggest and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency or scalability.Identify opportunities for improving tools, systems, or processes.
• Encourage team innovation and feedback in a scale-up environment.

Uphold Values and Safety

• Champion company values: Pioneers, Agile, Respect, Together, Safely.
• Ensure all team members work in compliance with HSE standards and quality requirements.

Lead and Develop People

• Manage, coach, and support your team.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and respectful team culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• MCIPS qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or working towards it.
• Experience in defence procurement or MOD/DSP regulations
• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain management within the aerospace or advanced engineering industry.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 or ISO9001 standards, supplier audits, and quality management systems.
• Proven experience in delivering strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier development.
• Excellent understanding of materials, machining, composites, or electronic component supply chains.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of sustainability and ESG procurement practices.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior colleagues.
• Right to work within the UK
• BPSS vetting and SC clearance (as required by role, location or client).

Other

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the company. The job description may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Professional Development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.