The posting
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.
Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!
As a procurement specialist you will be reporting directly to the Alten UK group recruitment director & the Head of procurement for the Alten group.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers of professional services (e.g., consulting firms, freelancers, IT service providers, engineering contractors).
- Ensuring suppliers meet quality, cost, and compliance standards.
- Negotiation & Contracting
- Negotiating contracts for services like IT consulting, engineering support, legal advice, or other expert services.
- Ensuring terms align with company margins, budgets, and strategic goals.
- Process Compliance
- Validating internal requests for services (e.g., from project managers) against procurement policies.
- Managing administrative tasks like subcontracting agreements and purchase orders.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Working with legal, finance, and operational teams to ensure smooth procurement processes.
- Tracking KPIs (e.g., cost savings, supplier performance).
- Strategic Sourcing
- Identifying new suppliers or expanding procurement scopes (e.g., international negotiations).
- Leading initiatives like digital tool procurement or process improvements.
You will also contribute to the growth of the Procurement structure by proposing continuous improvements, always ensuring compliance with regulations and processes. Additionally, you may lead cross-functional projects or initiatives, such as traceability, tool procurement, or expanding procurement scopes. As the direct interface with suppliers and with a view to expanding the Procurement Team’s scope, you may also conduct negotiations in an international context.
Requirements
Ideally, you hold a degree from an engineering or business school (with a specialization in procurement) at a Master’s level (or equivalent) and have at least 3 years of experience in an operational service environment, particularly in service procurement or project management.
A strong understanding of the operational challenges faced by business managers and end clients is essential.
Additionally, you should have:
- A strong aptitude for regulatory and financial matters.
- High autonomy in your role.
The position is based in London, with occasional travel to other regions. Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory.
Benefits
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short, you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Cycle & Tech Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life Insurance & Pension Scheme.
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team-building events.
- Flexible way of working (role-dependent).
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process, candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, your employment may be delayed or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at the interview.
