Gosport, Hampshire (Hybrid Working | Minimum 3 Days On-Site)
Drive Strategic Supplier Performance on Critical Defence Aviation Programmes
We are seeking an experienced Procurement Agent to join a major aerospace and defence programme supporting the sustainment and operational readiness of military rotary-wing aircraft.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused procurement professional with strong supplier management and contract negotiation experience to play a key role in managing a high-value maintenance and support contract worth in excess of £100m.
Working within the Vertical Lift programme, you'll collaborate with suppliers, programme teams, commercial stakeholders, and government customers to drive supplier performance, mitigate risk, and deliver continuous improvement across a critical defence capability.
The Opportunity
As a key member of the Supplier Management & Procurement team, you will be responsible for the management of a major subcontract supporting the maintenance, repair, and operational availability of military helicopter fleets.
Based primarily in Gosport, you will work closely with supplier maintenance teams and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure contractual obligations, performance targets, and programme objectives are achieved.
This role requires an individual who can influence at all levels, build strong supplier relationships, lead complex negotiations, and deliver measurable value across a strategically important programme.
Key Responsibilities
Manage a major maintenance and support subcontract valued at over £100m.
Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs, service levels, and contractual requirements.
Drive supplier accountability, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and implement procurement and supplier management strategies aligned to programme objectives.
Lead commercial discussions, contract negotiations, and issue resolution activities.
Identify and mitigate commercial, operational, and supply chain risks.
Foster strong supplier relationships that encourage innovation, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
Work collaboratively across programme, engineering, commercial, finance, and operational teams.
Define procurement requirements aligned to customer and programme needs.
Execute contractual documents and binding agreements.
Monitor supplier delivery, quality performance, financial stability, and in-service support outcomes.
Support the development of future supply chain strategies and transformation initiatives.
What You'll Bring
Essential Experience
Significant experience in procurement, supplier management, subcontract management, or commercial contract management
Experience operating within the Defence sector
Knowledge of UK MoD contractual requirements and procurement processes
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to:
Draft and review contractual language
Negotiate terms and conditions
Interpret complex contractual obligations
Strong stakeholder and supplier relationship management skills
Proven experience managing multiple competing priorities in a dynamic environment
Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills
Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability
High attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP/ERP systems
Ability to travel between sites when required
Desirable
Understanding of rotary-wing aircraft platforms and support programmes
Experience supporting military aviation sustainment contracts
MCIPS accreditation
Experience driving supplier performance and operational improvement initiatives
Key Personal Attributes
We're looking for someone who demonstrates:
Accountability and ownership
Adaptability in changing environments
Continuous improvement mindset
Strategic thinking and decision-making capability
Strong planning and organisational skills
Innovation and creativity in problem-solving
Collaborative working style
Commitment to learning and professional development
Why Apply?
Opportunity to support a critical UK defence aviation programme.
Work within a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment.
Influence strategic supplier relationships and programme outcomes.
Lead meaningful continuous improvement and value creation activities.
Join a forward-thinking procurement organisation focused on innovation and operational excellence.
Security Requirements
BPSS clearance is required.
Working Pattern
Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site in Gosport.
Interested in joining a programme that plays a vital role in supporting UK defence capabilities? We'd love to hear from you
Salary description
£65.00 - £75.00 per hour