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Senior Defence Category Manager (12 - 18 months FTC)

About The Role
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.
Notes/Brief for Recruitment Team:
About The Company
NCC is a world-leading innovation organisation that turns cutting-edge research and technology into industrial impact. We bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping companies of all sizes to capitalise on cutting-edge innovation to deliver more. We do this at every stage of their journey from the earliest concept to end-of-life.

The future of composites manufacturing relies on NCC, and we rely on the right individuals to make it happen, whether they’re engineers or not!

Why NCC?

We see our success in yours. Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.

Diverse challenges – NCC isn’t just about aerospace. We’re working with over 16 sectors and a variety of customers, from private ventures to the global tier 1 companies, providing variety to your experience.

Innovation – a world-leading research and development centre, the work we do brings novel and innovative solutions to industry, with the future firmly in mind. So we need innovating thinking not just in Engineering, but across all support functions.

Development in composites, and you – if the scope of exciting work isn’t enough to sway you, our ethos of continued learning and development and flexible working patterns will.

We look forward to hearing from you. #fulltime