Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager – Defence Programmes Bristol | Hybrid 2–3 Days On-Site Circa £48,000 + Excellent Benefits Step into a procurement role where your decisions directly shape mission-critical defence capability. This is not a passive purchasing position—it's a front-line commercial role that sits at the heart of high-value, high-complexity international programmes. You’ll work with world-leading suppliers, influence major subcontract strategies, and protect the organisation’s commercial and strategic interests on programmes that matter. Why This Role Stands Out You’ll be operating in Major Equipment Procurement, a team that partners with suppliers across the UK, Europe and beyond to enable cutting-edge missile and system delivery. The contracts you manage will be complex, high-value and technically sophisticated—subsystems that underpin some of the most advanced defence products in service today. You’ll have real ownership from day one, driving subcontract execution across the full lifecycle: negotiating, shaping, implementing, managing and optimising. This is a role where you can see the commercial impact of your work on genuine national capability. What’s In It For You • Competitive salary and bonus structure • Strong pension scheme with meaningful employer contributions • Options for paid overtime where applicable • Additional leave through flexible working schemes • Hybrid working and a culture that supports flexibility Your Impact You’ll be the commercial point of focus for critical suppliers, navigating a landscape of complex agreements, evolving project needs and high-stakes deadlines. Your role ensures that every subcontract delivers exactly what is needed: on time, on cost and to the exacting standards required for mission success. What You’ll Be Doing • Leading the preparation, negotiation and execution of subcontracts with both established suppliers and new partners • Managing tendering activities and ensuring supply chains meet programme expectations • Driving subcontract performance management to ensure obligations are met and risks are controlled • Keeping subcontract amendments current and fully aligned with evolving standards and legislation • Developing strong supplier relationships across the UK, Europe and international markets • Identifying, managing and mitigating commercial and business risks within your portfolio • Capturing quotations and supplier intelligence to support new bids and future opportunities What You Bring A background in procurement, supply chain or commercial management—ideally within a complex, regulated or defence-related environment. You’ll be confident navigating detailed terms, commercially aware, calm under pressure and skilled at influencing both suppliers and internal stakeholders. Most importantly, you’ll bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a desire to work at the forefront of UK defence capability. Security Requirements Applicants must be a British Citizen or dual UK-national with British citizenship. All successful candidates will undergo HMG BPSS clearance after offer stage. If you want to work on programmes with real-world impact, shaping high-value subcontracts that support national defence, this role offers a rare and compelling opportunity