Ultra Electronics Group
NPI & Bid Manager
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About Ultra Precision Control Systems
Ultra Precision Control Systems (Ultra PCS) is a leading developer of mission and safety-critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. Our team of experts drives our success, and we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment where every staff member feels valued.
We provide engineering solutions to safety and mission-critical challenges, ensuring our clients can operate effectively in both military aircraft and vehicles, as well as civil aircraft and unmanned systems.
Flexible Working
Whenever possible, we adapt to support your lifestyle through:
- Hybrid home/office working
- Flexible working arrangements
- Part or full-time employment options
Our guiding values—"innovating" and "empowering"—reflect our commitment to evolving working practices and trusting our teams to drive results.
Job Opportunity: NPI & Bid Manager
Ultra Precision Control Systems (Ultra PCS) seeks an NPI & Bid Manager to lead and manage Projects and Bid within our Supply Chain Function.
Key Responsibilities
This role involves:
- Leading project procurement teams to deliver world-class procurement capabilities
- Partnering with internal stakeholders to maximise value from supplier contracts
- Executing effective supply strategies, including:
- Engaging suppliers on design-for-manufacture (DFM)
- Managing supplier relationships and sourcing decisions
- Ensuring compliance with intellectual property and privacy requirements
- Optimising price, quality, and value for products and services
Specific Tasks Include:
✔ Leading and developing the project & bid team, ensuring alignment with business priorities ✔ Overseeing new product introductions (NPIs), including contract agreements and production alignment ✔ Establishing long-term supplier partnerships with a focus on total cost of supply ✔ Reducing the supplier base, evaluating criteria such as size, behaviour, and output quality ✔ Ensuring production readiness via reviews and capacity planning ✔ Driving technology-enabled solutions to enhance efficiency ✔ Collaborating cross-functionally (Operations, Quality, Engineering, Programme Management) on business objectives ✔ Implementing make-buy strategies for turnkey supplier solutions ✔ Identifying and realising efficiency and cost savings ✔ Reporting monthly to Head of Sourcing & Resilience on initiatives, risks, and objectives
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Required Skills & Experience
Leadership & Project Management
- Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary procurement projects in engineering or manufacturing
- Strong track record in driving high performance, talent development, and team alignment with business strategy
- Ability to influence and collaborate across functions (Engineering, Quality, Operations, Programme Management)
Procurement & Commercial Expertise
- Extensive experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category strategy, ideally in aerospace, defence, or regulated sectors
- Strong commercial acumen, focusing on total cost of ownership and supplier performance
- Measurable experience in cost reduction and long-term value creation
- Expertise in managing commercial agreements, IP compliance, and supplier partnerships
Technical & Process Expertise
- Deep knowledge of New Product Introduction (NPI) and bid processes
- Proficiency in design-for-manufacture (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT)
- Insight into end-to-end product lifecycle, from design to production and sustainment
- Experience with production readiness reviews, make-buy decisions, and capacity planning
- Ability to leverage digital procurement and technology tools for process improvement
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Analytical & Strategic Capability
- Strong data-driven decision-making, interpreting market trends and supplier performance
- Strategic mindset that balances short-term priorities with long-term supply chain resilience
- Commitment to process improvements and operational efficiencies
Additional Requirements
✔ Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills ✔ Deep understanding of compliance, governance, and UK defence/aerospace security vetting ✔ UK Work Restriction Compliance: Eligibility to work in the UK without immigration restrictions and willingness to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV)
Our Culture: Diverse & Inclusive Employment
Ultra PCS is an equal opportunities employer, actively promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and equality in our workplace.
We strive to:
- Create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered
- Welcome candidates from all backgrounds and cultures
- Sustain our commitment to customers through diverse, collaborative thinking
Applied policies are rooted in values and behaviours to ensure a welcoming and progressive work environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Ultra PCS specialises in application-engineered bespoke solutions for mission-critical and intelligent systems, supporting defence, security, critical detection, and control markets—with technologies deployed across global military platforms.
We employ over 4,500 colleagues globally and are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Learn more about us.
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