Navantia UK
Corporate Procurement Manager
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Corporate Procurement Manager
Corporate Procurement Manager – Navantia UK
Navantia UK is a UK-incorporated subsidiary of Navantia S.A., a global leader in naval shipbuilding, defence systems integration, and advanced maritime technologies. With over 300 years of shipbuilding heritage, Navantia delivers cutting-edge naval platforms, lifecycle support, and complex industrial transformation programmes worldwide. Navantia UK partners with the UK industry to strengthen sovereign shipbuilding capabilities and delivers vital defence and offshore energy programmes.
About the Role
The Corporate Procurement Manager is the senior leader responsible for defining the strategic direction, governance, and operational excellence of procurement across all UK shipbuilding operations. This pivotal role ensures commercial robustness, supply chain resilience, and alignment with programme delivery objectives.
The postholder will:
- Lead procurement strategy, standardisation, and supplier management across multi-site, high-value programmes.
- Drive integration of systems, contracts, and procurement practices to support business growth and industrial collaboration.
- Have a direct impact on cost efficiency, programme schedules, risk mitigation, and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy & Governance
- Define and implement the corporate procurement strategy for UK shipbuilding operations, aligning with business growth and programme requirements.
- Establish, enforce, and enhance procurement governance frameworks, policies, and standards across all UK sites.
- Ensure compliance with UK regulations, defence industry standards, export controls, and contractual obligations.
- Champion standardisation, process optimisation, and continuous improvement in procurement.
- Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on market conditions, supply chain risks, and commercial opportunities.
Strategic Sourcing & Contract Management
- Lead high-value sourcing activities, including RFQs, ITTs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards for complex programmes.
- Develop category strategies focused on cost competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and long-term value creation.
- Negotiate complex commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with legal, technical, and programme needs.
- Oversee supplier disputes, claims, and escalations, safeguarding company and programme interests.
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Supplier Relationship & Performance Management
- Establish supplier segmentation models, approved supplier lists, and risk management frameworks.
- Lead strategic supplier performance programmes, including audits, scorecards, capability assessments, and improvement plans.
- Build and nurture high-value supplier partnerships to support innovation, industrial collaboration, and operational resilience.
- Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and compliance metrics.
Operational Procurement & Supply Chain Integration
- Ensure procurement activities support engineering, production, logistics, and programme schedules.
- Oversee materials availability, logistics coordination, warehousing, and multi-site supply chain performance.
- Support bid and proposal activities with competitive sourcing strategies and market intelligence.
- Drive cost optimisation, value engineering, and supply chain efficiency initiatives.
Systems, Data & Performance Management
- Lead implementation and optimisation of ERP systems (preferably SAP) and document management platforms (e.g., OpenText).
- Develop and maintain procurement KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools for transparency and performance improvement.
- Provide data-driven insights to support executive decision-making and strategic planning.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, inspire, and develop procurement teams across multiple UK locations, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
- Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and capability development.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, wellbeing initiatives, and EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) policies.
- Support employee relations, including grievance resolution and union engagement.
Qualifications
Essential
- Extensive procurement leadership experience in shipbuilding, defence, engineering, construction, manufacturing, or heavy industry.
- Proven expertise in procurement governance, strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
- Track record of leading complex RFQ/ITT processes and negotiating high-value commercial agreements.
- Experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP) and procurement management tools.
- Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, negotiation expertise, and problem-solving ability.
- Leadership experience in multi-site, complex, or international environments.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong understanding of employment legislation, people management, and organisational development.
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Desirable
- Experience in defence, maritime, naval, or shipbuilding environments.
- Knowledge of OpenText or similar document management systems.
- Experience leading procurement transformation, integration, or business improvement programmes.
Leadership & Decision-Making
The Corporate Procurement Manager holds authority in shaping procurement strategy and influencing critical operational outcomes. Key responsibilities include:
- Making strategic decisions affecting major programme outcomes and supplier relationships.
- Interpreting business and market intelligence to refine procurement strategies.
- Resolving complex supply chain challenges through proactive leadership and stakeholder engagement.
- Leading cross-functional initiatives involving suppliers, customers, and senior management.
Working Environment
- Primarily office-based, with regular travel to UK sites and supplier locations.
- Occasional overnight travel may be required.
- Working hours may extend beyond standard schedules to meet programme demands.
Our Values
The successful candidate will embody and promote Navantia UK’s STEADY values: Service | Trust | Excellence | Agility | Dedication | You
These values underpin leadership behaviours, decision-making, and performance expectations.
Additional Information
As part of the onboarding process, all candidates must complete BPSS security clearance.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, grounded in our STEADY values, involves:
- Removing barriers and recognising potential.
- Providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity, we foster a workplace where everyone feels valued. For assistance applying online, please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com.
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