Senior Manager – Supply Chain & Procurement

Senior Manager – Supply Chain & Procurement (Defence)

Level: Senior Manager

Location: Leeds / Manchester / Birmingham / Bristol / Glasgow / Edinburgh

Function: Supply Chain & Procurement Consulting

About the Role

Our client is expanding its Supply Chain and Procurement consulting capability and is looking for a Senior Manager specialising in Defence. This role sits within a high-growth advisory team delivering transformation programmes across procurement, supply chain operations, and digital enablement.

You will work with defence organisations on large-scale transformation initiatives, helping them modernise procurement functions, optimise operating models, and drive cost efficiencies across complex supply networks. The focus is practical delivery, not just strategy. Projects typically cover operating model design, category strategy, cost reduction programmes, and digital transformation of procurement and supply chain operations.

This is a leadership role where you will manage client relationships, lead project teams, and shape programmes that improve operational performance and procurement capability across the defence sector.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading supply chain and procurement transformation programmes for defence clients.
• Designing and implementing target operating models, including organisational structures, processes, and enabling technologies.
• Developing and executing category strategies across direct and indirect procurement.
• Driving cost reduction initiatives through structured cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and value chain optimisation.
• Improving operational performance by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
• Advising clients on digital transformation, including automation, data analytics, and procurement technology.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across defence organisations.
• Leading consulting teams, managing project delivery, and mentoring junior consultants.

Ideal Background

• Experience working within the defence sector, ideally across supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, or operations.
• A track record of delivering consulting or transformation programmes.
• Strong experience with procurement strategy, category management, supplier management, and contract management.
• Proven ability to deliver cost reduction initiatives across complex supply chains.
• Experience designing operating models or organisational transformation programmes.
• Exposure to digital procurement or supply chain technologies such as ERP platforms, analytics tools, or source-to-pay systems.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as required.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive Senior Manager salary and benefits package.
• Flexible working split between office, home, and client sites.
• Private medical cover and 24/7 access to a virtual GP.
• Six volunteering days per year.
• Clear progression within a growing consulting practice focused on large-scale transformation programmes.

Who Should Apply

This role suits experienced consultants or industry professionals in defence supply chain or procurement who want to lead high-impact transformation programmes. It will particularly appeal to candidates who combine commercial procurement expertise with operational improvement or digital transformation experience.