Senior Defence Category Manager (12 - 18 months FTC)

National Composites Centre; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research and development facility in the UK is seeking a Senior Defence Category Manager to enhance its Sustainable Procurement team. The role involves strategic support for projects in defense and large-scale programs while ensuring compliance with public sector procurement processes. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in procurement, excellent negotiation skills, and an MCIPS qualification or equivalent. Offers hybrid working, annual salary reviews, and valuable benefits, such as medical insurance and pension contributions.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

Company paid private medical insurance

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Honorary staff status at the University of Bristol

Qualifications

• Proven defence experience in a commercial/procurement role.
• Strong knowledge of procurement legislation including PCR2015 and Procurement Act 2023.
• Excellent commercial skills and the ability to negotiate best value agreements.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Sustainable Procurement with strategic projects.
• Deputise for the Head of Sustainable Procurement as necessary.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers.

Skills

Public sector procurement processes

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Education

MCIPS qualification or suitable equivalent

Job description

Fixed Term Contract: 12 months – 24 months

Government Security Clearance: to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of government security clearance.

Are you an experienced procurement professional with a strong background in the defence sector?

We're seeking a Senior Defence Category Manager to play a key role in our Sustainable Procurement team.

What you'll be doing

• In this strategic position, you will support the Head of Sustainable Procurement with strategic projects and planning including; defence, new facilities, and large-scale programmes.
• You will also be expected to deputise for the Head of Sustainable Procurement and act as advisor in relation to management decisions or other strategic matters involving the procurement department and processes.
• You’ll manage and develop relationships with key category stakeholders and suppliers to maintain project outcomes and service delivery performance.
• This role requires a strong understanding of public sector procurement processes, including familiarity with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.

If you have a passion for sustainable procurement and the skills to drive organisational success, we want to hear from you.

So, what are we looking for?

• Proven defence experience in a commercial / procurement role.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement processes, including PCR2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
• MCIPS qualification or suitable equivalent.
• Excellent commercial skills, with the ability to analyse and negotiate best value agreements.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work strategically, manage complex categories, and drive continuous improvement in procurement practices.

Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026

We retain the right to close the advertisement early depending on applications.

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

Please see the attached job description for more details.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.