Procurement Projects Lead

A reputable defence client are seeking a proven Procurement Project Lead to operate at the heart of complex, engineering-led projects and influence supplier performance.

• Role: Procurement Project Lead
• Duration: 6-month contract
• Pay: £400 - 500 p/day
• Location: Brighton (1 / 2 days hybrid)
• Security Clearance: Must be eligible for BPSS/SC clearance

As Procurement Project Lead, you'll take ownership of supplier and procurement activities throughout the programme lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading procurement and supplier management activities across NPI, industrialisation, production and sustainment phases.
• Acting as the primary procurement interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Programme Management and suppliers.
• Driving supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery and technical compliance metrics.
• Managing supplier readiness for key programme milestones, including Design Reviews, Qualification Activities and AS9102 First Article Inspection.
• Supporting supplier selection, RFQ activities, contract negotiations and award processes.
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, including capacity challenges, long lead-time materials and sole-source dependencies.
• Working closely with Supplier Quality Engineers to resolve non-conformances, drive corrective actions and implement supplier recovery plans.
• Expediting critical deliveries and proactively managing supply issues to maintain programme schedules.
• Providing clear reporting on supplier performance, programme risks and recovery actions to key stakeholders.

You will act as the key link between suppliers, engineering teams, programme management, manufacturing and quality functions, ensuring critical components and assemblies are delivered on time, to specification, and in full compliance with demanding aerospace and defence standards.

Key Requirements:

• Procurement, supply chain or supplier management experience within aerospace, defence or similar sector.
• Proven experience supporting complex engineering or manufacturing programmes.
• Strong track record of supplier performance management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience AS9102 First Article Inspection and APQP and PPAP methodologies
• Practical knowledge with engineering drawings, GD&T, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Technical Data Packages
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and production environments.
• Ability to manage technical, commercial and operational supplier challenges.
• Commercial negotiations and contract management experience would be advantageous

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in complex engineering environments and enjoys working at the heart of programme delivery, supplier performance, and supply chain excellence.

If you have a strong background in aerospace, defence or engineering and are ready to make a strong impact on strategically important programmes, apply now!