Category Senior Specialist CAPEX Engineering Services

HALCON is a leading regional and international defense company, specializing in next-generation weapons systems and robotics. With end-to-end capabilities spanning design, development, testing, manufacturing, and assembly, HALCON is trusted for delivering exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and agile solutions that meet the evolving demands of global defense and aerospace industries.

Job Summary

The Category Senior Specialist – Capex & Engineering Services plays a key role in supporting HALCON’s procurement and category management activities by contributing to the development and execution of category strategies aligned with business and supply chain objectives. Working closely with the Category Manager, the role focuses on supporting framework agreements, driving supplier and demand consolidation, enabling cost optimisation and value creation, and supporting the delivery of group-level strategic initiatives.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to deepen their strategic impact within a complex manufacturing and engineering environment. The role offers hands-on exposure to category strategy development, sourcing execution, supplier relationship management, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, while supporting the continued evolution and maturity of HALCON’s Capex and Engineering Services category.

Key Accountabilities

• Category Strategy Support
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the category strategy by providing data, market insights, supplier intelligence, and risk analysis.
• Track market trends, cost drivers, supplier performance, and geopolitical/economic conditions to inform sourcing decisions.
• Utilise category management tools and techniques (e.g. Kraljic, SWOT, TCO) to support the Category Manager in building a robust and flexible strategy.
• Translate strategic objectives into operational sourcing actions and help drive measurable outcomes.
• Supplier and Sourcing Execution
• Execute sourcing activities including RFx preparation, supplier evaluations, bid analysis, and contract award recommendations in line with the approved category strategy.
• Support the negotiation of framework agreements and contracts under the guidance of the Category Manager.
• Collaborate with technical and quality teams to ensure supplier capabilities align with project and program requirements.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, value engineering, and consolidation across the category.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Act as the interface between Procurement and internal stakeholders including Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to ensure business alignment.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain Program Managers to track sourcing milestones, mitigate risks, and ensure clear visibility of procurement status across projects.
• Participate in Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and support new product development activities through supplier engagement and benchmarking.
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Maintain effective working relationships with key suppliers and assist in the deployment of SRM activities (e.g. performance reviews, KPIs, improvement plans).
• Track and escalate supplier performance issues and risks, supporting resolution in collaboration with Quality and Operations.
• Promote collaboration with suppliers to improve lead times, drive innovation, and increase resilience in the supply chain.
• Data Management and Reporting
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement data in SAP, ensuring compliance with internal controls and documentation standards.
• Prepare category-specific dashboards and reports on cost savings, sourcing progress, contract coverage, and supplier performance.
• Support internal audits, reviews, and compliance activities related to sourcing and contract execution.
• Continuous Improvement and Compliance
• Support initiatives to improve sourcing processes, compliance with Halcon and EDGE Group policies, and adoption of procurement best practices including support of internal/external audit activities.
• Promote ethical procurement, sustainability, and risk management within the category.
• Actively participate in team meetings, supplier reviews, and improvement workshops.
  
  

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain roles, with exposure to category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier coordination.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Preferred) in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s Degree or professional certification (e.g. CIPS, CPSM) is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex procurement activities within a manufacturing or engineering environment; Capex & Engineering Services experience preferred.
• Exposure to Aerospace or Defence sectors is highly desirable, including familiarity with Export Control regulations (e.g. EAR, ITAR) and compliance standards.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, RFx execution, supplier onboarding, and contract principles (preferably under English Law).
• Solid experience contributing to category strategies and implementing sourcing plans in alignment with business goals.
• Experience with Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) tools such as supplier scorecards, performance reviews, and issue escalation procedures.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP) and sourcing tools (e.g. SAP Ariba); capable of analysing procurement data to support decision-making.
• Working knowledge of inventory management and collaboration with logistics and planning functions.