Procurement Planner

Company Description

Navantia UK is a UK incorporated company, subsidiary of Spanish Navantia, created to work with UK industrial partners in shipbuilding, defence and in offshore wind energy. With a history that goes back more than 300 hundred years, Navantia is a world reference in the design, building, integration and life cycle support of state-of-the-art war ships for the Spanish Navy and international customers and has extensive experience in ToT programmes.

Job Description

Job Purpose

We are looking for a proactive and analytically minded Procurement Planner to play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our manufacturing activities. This role sits at the heart of the supply chain, translating production demand into effective procurement strategies that secure the right materials, at the right time, and at the right cost.

The successful candidate will bring hands-on industrial or manufacturing experience, strong planning capability, and a continuous improvement mindset. You will work closely with production, inventory, logistics, and suppliers to optimise material availability, reduce risk, and support operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional who enjoys ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and making a tangible impact on business performance.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain procurement plans aligned with production schedules, capacity plans, and inventory strategies.
• Translate demand forecasts into material requirements using production plans, historical data, and market intelligence.
• Manage supplier relationships, monitor performance, and support commercial negotiations to ensure service levels, cost efficiency, and continuity of supply.
• Partner closely with production, inventory, and logistics teams to balance stock availability, working capital, and operational risk.
• Analyse procurement and supply chain data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning accuracy, reduce costs, and improve supply reliability.
• Prepare and maintain accurate procurement documentation, KPIs, dashboards, and management reports.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including shortages, supplier constraints, lead-time variability, and cost volatility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven experience in procurement, planning, or supply chain roles within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, sourcing strategies, inventory management, and MRP/ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into practical actions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence working across functions and with external suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, operational setting.
• Familiarity with industrial materials, components, and manufacturing processes is highly desirable.
• Structured, detail-oriented, and organised, with a strong sense of accountability.
• Proactive problem-solver with a risk-aware mindset.
• Results-driven, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment with close interaction with operational teams.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.
• Working hours may exceed the regular schedule during peak operational periods or critical supply events.

Physical Effort

• Minimal physical effort required.
• Duties primarily involve sitting, standing, and computer-based work, with flexibility for regular breaks.

Additional Information

The duties listed are not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional tasks that are reasonable and appropriate to the scope and grading of the role. Job descriptions will be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain an accurate reflection of the role.

Generic Level Description

Fully qualified professional working independently on most aspects of the role. Manages medium to moderately complex activities or projects, with a focus on task delivery rather than people management. Plans and organises own workload to meet short- and medium-term objectives.

Complexity, Expertise & Problem Solving

Works on problems of diverse scope and complexity. Applies deep functional expertise to resolve a wide range of issues creatively. Identifies patterns and underlying issues, takes a broad perspective, and proposes effective, practical solutions.

Decision Making & Autonomy

Exercises judgment and autonomy to deliver accountabilities within role scope. Selects appropriate methods and approaches to achieve outcomes, escalating only when matters fall outside agreed authority.

Communication, Negotiation & Influencing

Communicates clearly and adapts style to suit different audiences. Builds effective internal and external relationships, particularly with key suppliers and operational stakeholders. Achieves alignment, manages expectations, and ensures commitments are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Supervision & Leadership

Receives minimal day-to-day instruction. Contributes to a collaborative team environment by sharing knowledge, providing constructive feedback, and supporting problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Typically requires an undergraduate degree with broad, relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Additional Information

An immediate start is available for the right candidate, offering a fast-paced and engaging opportunity.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at [email protected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.