General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV’s. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

In this role of Procurement Manager you will be the lead for all components and material related matters within the Avionics business streams. You will be responsible for the management of procurement teams to ensure the skills, capability and processes needed to support the business unit’s financial and strategic goals. You will work closely with Head of Supply Chain and other senior stakeholders for long term people development, process & technology deployment, and to ensure all materials are negotiated and available for production and customer programme delivery.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Leading and coordinating procurement team activities necessary to successfully support commodity and service procurement requirements of internal customers, primarily manufacturing and development/IRAD
• Managing all indirect and direct commodity procurement
• Reviewing and negotiate terms and conditions to ensure the business is legally covered, de-risked and profitable
• Focusing on cost savings/avoidance through supplier cost negotiation, process improvements/enhancements, utilising the AWAR and design to cost processes
• Managing supplier performance with regard to Quality, Delivery and Cost
• Managing SCM risk and opportunity management process to provide analytical approach to identifying risk, assess impact, develop mitigation strategies and understand trends to predict future risk and opportunities

For the full job description click here.

To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate experience in:

• Strategic procurement and subcontract management experience ideally in the aerospace, defence, government or project driven manufacturing environment
• Working in the tactical environments (what needs to be done now to achieve the current business objectives) and the strategic environment (establishing and aligning the team around strategic business objectives)
• Challenging the norm, identifying, influencing and managing ‘best practice’ change implementation of processes and procedures
• Clearly articulating issues and possible solutions.
• Strong negotiation skills to clearly demonstrate cost savings and margin improvement
• Leadership through influence and effective conflict resolution
• Strong financial experience
• Strong communication skills from the front end to the boardroom
• Developing effective metrics
• Preferably holding CIPS, APM or equivalent qualifications

In return for your dedication, collaboration and commitment, you will receive a starting salary of £50,000 to £65,000 and a flexible benefits package.

This role is based in our Hastings office with the flexibility to work from home, ideally spending three or more days in the office each week.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits: 

• A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off. 
• A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company. 
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits 

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team!

Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company - learn more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here

We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Please email [email protected] if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme. For more information on the Disability confident scheme in General Dynamics click here.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to Work checks.