Head of Procurement

Britten-Norman is the producer of one of the most successful civil aircraft ever manufactured in the UK & it is now the UK’s only independent civil aircraft manufacturer. The company is a leading aerospace SME, offering a market leading range of aviation related services both within the UK and internationally. This creates a complex supply chain that requires strong logistics management and procurement to allow us to compete to our highest level.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Britten Norman. Due to ongoing growth we are now recruiting for a Head of Procurement to join us at our Lee-on-the-Solent site. This role leads our procurement function and gives the opportunity for an experienced professional to have a strategic lead while allowing them to remain hands on in day-to-day relationship management and purchasing.

You will be leading a team of buyers based across our three sites in Hampshire who are responsible for planning and expediting the procurement of raw materials, parts, and consumables for our busy manufacturing sites.

**Primary Tasks**

Main tasks will include but are not limited to:

- The primary responsibility for the role is to lead procurement of consumables, parts, materials, major vendor components, subcontracts and. A large proportion of the procurement is to aviation standards.
- Forward thinking attitude which generates cost savings
- Mentoring and coaching the procurement and logistics teams in line with company values to deliver best value and high quality on time delivery.
- Negotiate with existing and new suppliers to achieve the best commercial terms.
- Take responsibility for complex, high profile and high value procurement projects and key suppliers.
- Liaise with the Senior Leadership Team on strategy and advise Project Managers and Delivery teams on the status.
- Seek new ways to source, procure and manufacture components with support from the technical team to take Britten-Norman forward into a new era of innovation.
- Establish consistent procurement monitoring and reporting procedures across all projects including monthly progress reporting.
- Improve supply chain engagement by meeting with suppliers and building relationships.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities by introducing performance measurements for on time delivery, price and quality.
- Provide costing to the Project Managers, Delivery, Business and Commercial teams to inform bids, budgets and post cost analysis.
- Ensure the Company is compliant in all import/export (inc tax and customs authorities (UK and overseas)).
- To understand ITAR regulations and to be responsible for the management of any ITAR restricted components.

**Key Skills and Attributes**:

- Strong commercial awareness
- Effective communication and influencing skills at all levels
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Confident team leader
- Tenacious drive
- A positive attitude & enthusiastic to work in growing company
- Proactive with strong attention to detail

**Minimum Qualification Requirements**:

- 5 GCSEs including English & Maths at Grade C/4 or above
- 2 A level passes
- CILT / CIPS Level 5 membership is essential

**Required Experience**
- Experience in a similar role is essential
- You must have worked in manufacturing or a heavy maintenance environment or similar ideally within aviation
- Experience in handling ITAR equipment
- You must have international exposure especially with import/export law.

**Benefits**
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays)
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Eligibility to join the healthcare scheme following probation period
- Free parking
- Discounted Gym Membership

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Lee-on-the-Solent: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)