Full job descriptionProcurement Lead
Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Contract: 6–12 months
Rate: £40.00 per hour
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 1 to 2 days onsite per week

The Opportunity
We are currently seeking an experienced Procurement Lead to join a major engineering and defence organisation based in Barrow-in-Furness on an initial 6–12 month contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused procurement professional to play a key role in delivering effective procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and supporting the successful delivery of major programmes.

Key Responsibilities
*Lead procurement activities across a range of projects and categories.
*Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business and programme requirements.
*Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from sourcing and tendering through to contract award and supplier management.
*Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers to achieve best value.
*Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
*Monitor supplier performance, costs, quality, and delivery.
*Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency, and improved commercial outcomes.
*Provide procurement and commercial expertise to project and programme teams.
*Ensure procurement activities comply with relevant processes, policies, governance, and contractual requirements.
*Support the resolution of commercial and supplier-related issues.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
*Proven experience within a Procurement Lead, Senior Procurement, or Strategic Procurement position.
*Strong experience across sourcing, supplier management, and commercial negotiations.
*Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
*Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.
*Experience working within a complex, highly regulated, engineering, manufacturing, defence, or similar environment would be advantageous.
*The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within a project-focused environment.
*A proactive approach with the confidence to challenge and influence stakeholders at all levels.