Expert Procurement Excellence (Birmingham, GB)

Soar Your Career in Global Procurement Excellence at GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace presents an exceptional opportunity for seasoned procurement professionals ready to make a significant global impact. This role as an Expert in Procurement Excellence is more than just a job; it's a chance to shape the future of air travel by driving innovation, sustainability, and efficiency within a world-leading aerospace company.

With a mission to reimagine air travel – going further, faster, and greener – GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of the industry. Serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers across 33 sites in 12 countries, the company offers a robust platform for professional growth and influence. This review highlights the key advantages and considerations for candidates looking to join a team that values expertise, creativity, and a commitment to protecting our planet.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact and Global Influence: This role places you at the heart of global procurement transformation. You'll spearhead the enhancement of processes, digital solutions, reporting, and training, directly influencing best practices across worldwide procurement teams. It's an opportunity to drive change and innovation on an international scale.
• Pioneering Digital Transformation: GKN Aerospace is committed to introducing cutting-edge digital procurement technologies. If you're passionate about leveraging technology to optimize operations and lead large-scale system implementations, this role offers a dynamic environment to develop and deploy next-generation solutions.
• Commitment to Sustainability: For candidates driven by purpose, GKN Aerospace's deep commitment to putting sustainability at the centre of everything they do is a significant draw. You will actively manage procurement excellence projects with a direct link to achieving sustainability targets.
• Exceptional Career Growth and Development: GKN Aerospace explicitly states, "There are no limits to where you can take your career." They offer a "world of opportunity," supporting career progression with learning and development, and boast "some of the best training on offer in the industry." Being part of a global business means diverse pathways for advancement.
• Award-Winning Culture and Benefits: The company prides itself on a collaborative, dynamic working environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging, earning "The Best Workplace Culture Award." Alongside this, candidates can expect a competitive salary, an industry-leading pension scheme (1:1.5 match up to 8%), significant life assurance, generous holiday allowance, flexible working hours, and comprehensive wellness benefits.
• Hybrid Work Model: While initial travel to Bristol will be required, the role transitions to approximately once per month travel, offering a balanced hybrid work arrangement.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Experience Required: This is a senior role demanding a minimum of 10+ years of business experience, with at least 5 years specifically in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. A proven track record in Procurement Excellence, change management, and system implementation is essential.
• Strong Technical and Analytical Acumen: Candidates must possess high proficiency in IT systems and procurement tools, alongside strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills. Experience leading large-scale procurement tool implementations is a critical requirement.
• Navigating a Global Matrix Organization: Success in this role hinges on the ability to thrive in a complex matrix organization and effectively influence without direct authority. Expertise in multicultural collaboration, networking, and strategic planning will be highly beneficial.
• Aerospace Industry Knowledge: While not essential, a strong understanding of the Aerospace industry and its technological trends is highly desirable. This knowledge will enable you to hit the ground running and contribute more strategically from day one.
• Educational Background: A BSc degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or Science is a core requirement, indicating a preference for candidates with a strong technical foundation.
• Travel Requirement: Be prepared for regular travel to Bristol during the initial weeks of the role, shifting to approximately once per month thereafter.

This Expert in Procurement Excellence role at GKN Aerospace offers a unique opportunity for an ambitious, experienced professional to drive significant strategic change within a globally renowned company. If you are passionate about digital transformation, procurement excellence, and contributing to a sustainable future in aerospace, and meet the robust experience requirements, this could be the career-defining move you've been seeking.