Ultra Precision Control Systems (Ultra PCS) is a leading developer of mission and safety critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. The company fosters a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member is valued and respected.
Job Title
NPI & Bid Manager – Supply Chain Function
Job Overview
Lead and manage the Projects & Bid category, directing a Project Procurement team to deliver world‑class procurement capabilities and partner with internal stakeholders to secure maximum value for all money spent with suppliers. The role involves effective strategy execution, supplier engagement, DFM activity, compliance with intellectual property and privacy requirements, and continuous improvement of cost, quality and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the project & bid team, providing status updates and ensuring business priorities are met.
- Ensure parameters and agreements are in place for new product transfers to production.
- Identify & establish long‑term supplier partners focussing on total cost of supply.
- Align with category managers to reduce supplier base and ensure suppliers meet size, behaviour and output expectations.
- Keep the team agile, continually evaluating market conditions and adjusting sourcing strategies.
- Confirm production readiness of suppliers through reviews, capacity plans and capability assessments.
- Present and influence technology enablement solutions to drive efficiency.
- Support and influence future new designs with Engineering, applying DFM & DFT opportunities to reduce design cycle time and costs.
- Collaborate with operations, quality, engineering, project management and other functions to meet business objectives.
- Implement make‑buy strategies for turnkey supplier solutions, reducing lead times and internal processing costs.
- Identify & deliver efficiency & cost savings opportunities and report monthly to Head of Sourcing & Resilience on initiatives and risks.
Required Skills & Experience
- Leadership & Management: Proven experience leading multidisciplinary procurement or project sourcing teams in a complex engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Procurement & Commercial Expertise: Extensive experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management and category strategy, ideally within Aerospace, Defence or regulated sectors.
- Technical & Project Delivery: Deep understanding of NPI & Bid processes, DFM & DFT activities, end‑to‑end product lifecycle, production readiness reviews and make/buy decisions.
- Analytical & Strategic Capability: Highly analytical with ability to interpret market trends, risk factors and supplier performance data to inform sourcing strategies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with ability to present confidently to senior leadership.
- Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business or related discipline (MCIPS qualification or equivalent preferred).
- Strong understanding of compliance, governance, and intellectual property within a defence or aerospace context.
Benefits
- Flexible working within core working hours.
- 25 days holiday (185 hrs) plus bank holidays; option to buy/sell 5 days (37 hrs).
- Life assurance (4 times annual salary).
- Flexible benefits package.
- Pension Scheme: up to 5.5% employer contributions for less than 5 years’ service, up to 7.5% for 5 years or more.
- Sports and social club.
- Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events.
Nationality & EEO
Applicants must be able to work in the UK without restrictions and be willing to undergo appropriate UK National Security Vetting. Ultra PCS is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.
About the Company
Ultra PCS specialises in providing application‑engineered bespoke solutions for defence, security, critical detection and control markets. The company employs over 4,500 employees worldwide and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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