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Procurement Officer
Senior Procurement Buyer (Maritime & Defence)
About Navantia UK
Navantia UK is a transformative force in British industry, driving defence, energy, and maritime advancements through:
- Creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities
- Modernising industrial facilities across the UK
- Ensuring energy security for the nation
Established in 2022, Navantia UK is the UK subsidiary of Navantia SA—a Spanish state-owned company with 300+ years of naval shipbuilding experience—detained in January 2025 after acquiring Harland & Wolff, including facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Ardrossan.
Combining Harland & Wolff’s heritage with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is strengthening UK defence, maritime, and energy industrial capabilities—driving jobs and economic growth.
Job Purpose
As a Senior Procurement Buyer, you’ll support the Procurement Team, collaborate with supply chain, stakeholders, and internal teams, and manage business-wide procurement requests to ensure:
- Timely delivery of materials, equipment, and services
- Cost efficiency and quality adherence
- Operational excellence for shipbuilding projects
You’ll play a pivotal role in securing critical procurement for naval construction, ensuring technical and financial alignment while mitigating supply chain risks.
Key Duties
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Procurement Coordination
- Procure goods, materials, components, and services while meeting cost, quality, and delivery targets.
- Research and implement cost-saving opportunities across operations.
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Supply Chain & Risk Management
- Identify, manage, and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Monitor compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
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Contract & Supplier Management
- Negotiate contracts, optimise supplier pricing, and improve terms to maximise savings.
- Evaluate supplier performance, conduct reviews, and drive continuous improvement.
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Process Improvement
- Collaborate to design procurement strategies, tools, and capabilities for excellence.
- Ensure alignment with the company’s best-in-class procurement goals.
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Integration & Support
- Partner with project managers, engineers, and production teams to forecast and secure material needs.
- Prepare purchase orders/contracts, track shipments, and monitor inventory to prevent shortages.
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Market & Industry Insights
- Conduct market research, track industry trends, and identify advanced materials, tech, and systems relevant to shipbuilding.
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Team Supporting
- Mentor junior Buyers in procurement duties where applicable.
Essential Criteria
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Procurement Expertise & Negotiation
- Proven senior procurement experience in contract tendering, awarding, and management.
- Strong negotiation skills in securing competitive terms and savings.
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Technical & Analytical Knowledge
- Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and Word proficiency for data, reporting, and presentation.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), with expertise in procurement data management.
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen to evaluate supplier performance and cost efficiencies.
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Industry & Compliance
- Supplier sourcing competency, including awareness of local and national supply chains.
- Compliance knowledge, including adherence to UK/EU regulations, industry standards.
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People & Stakeholder Skills
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, with ability to interact with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
Desirable Criteria
- Specialised Shipbuilding Knowledge
- Deep understanding of marine equipment, steel fabrication, coatings, propulsion systems, and outfitting.
- Experience in procurement for capital investment projects and composite materials.
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Qualifications
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Professional Certifications (1+ preferred):
- MCIPS (Qualified or studying)
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)
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Academic Background (one of the following):
- Degree in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing-related discipline.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (aligned with UK market benchmarks).
- 33 days annual leave + public holidays.
- Company pension plan.
- Flexible working with half-day Fridays.
- On-site parking provided.
- Learning & development opportunities in procurement and related areas.
- Health Care Cash Plan (covers a range of medical expenses).
- Minimum base salary: £65k (depending on experience and qualifications).
Application & Equality Commitment
Equal Opportunity
Navantia UK is committed to an inclusive workplace, upholding:
- Fair and unbiased hiring process at all stages.
- Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities (contact email address for support).
- Anti-discrimination for race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any protected characteristic.
Diversity & Assistance
Navantia UK is an Opening Doors employer, dedicated to:
- Removing barriers for underrepresented talent.
- Recognising diverse experiences, including neurodiversity, care responsibilities, and disability.
- Active steps to eliminate discrimination.
Need Support?
If you experience difficulty applying online, contact: [email protected] or [email protected]. A team member will assist you promptly.
Location: Belfast (Naval and Shipbuilding facility)
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