We are actively seeking a dynamic and skilled Procurement or Project Specialist to join a defense organization based in the West Midlands.

The chosen candidate will play a pivotal role in identifying and establishing a new subcontract supply chain for a significant engineering project.

Responsibilities include evaluating engineering requirements, nurturing supplier capabilities, and overseeing the selected solution from conception to the completion of prototypes, ensuring smooth integration into our supply chain network. Given the nature of the role, frequent travel to supplier sites is essential, requiring a full driver's license.

Key Responsibilities:

Spearhead comprehensive management of subcontract manufacturing, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align project goals and objectives.
Quickly gain a profound understanding of the technical intricacies of the product and its manufacturing process, enabling effective anticipation of challenges and opportunities with the support of senior engineers.
Foster robust relationships with subcontractors, ensuring clear expectations, open communication, and adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
Apply a strategic yet assertive approach for effective problem-solving.
Maintain a consistent presence at subcontractor facilities to actively oversee and ensure adherence to project timelines.
Identify, evaluate, and onboard potential motor subcontractors aligned with technical and quality standards.
Lead contract negotiations and establish strong relationships, ensuring supplier capabilities and financial stability meet project needs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
Ensure strict adherence to compliance standards through meticulous documentation and checks, collaborating cross-functionally to maintain cost efficiencies while upholding regulatory requirements.
Manage tracking tools, submitting regular progress reports to the supply chain manager and the wider project team and stakeholders.
Ensure a well-documented supplier identification, selection, and onboarding process, involving relevant stakeholders and meeting essential requirements.
Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and economic factors to safeguard project timelines and objectives.

Qualifications:

CIPS - Desirable
Possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, or a related field.
Demonstrate proven experience in procurement, project management, or supplier relationship roles in a technically demanding environment.
Showcase knowledge of electromechanical manufacturing techniques (electrical motors preferred).
Exhibit excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to challenge and negotiate with suppliers when needed.
Display strong communication skills supporting an ability to convey key technical information between internal and external stakeholders.
Be detail-oriented and analytical, maintaining excellent technical and quality control standards.
Have experience working within a team-based, multidisciplinary environment.
Demonstrate familiarity with Defense industry regulations and compliance standards.
Possess proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, as well as MS Office.
Be proficient in ERP systems, Excel, and project management tools.
Be willing to regularly travel to subcontractor facilities and supplier sites.