Case Study: Transforming Technology Procurement at a Global Aerospace & Defence Company

Barkers provided an interim manager to lead the technology procurement function while conducting a comprehensive review of the team’s capabilities and capacity. The manager implemented initiatives to strengthen performance and build internal expertise, including formal and informal training programs that enhanced the team’s understanding of the technology sector and procurement best practices. Recruitment of new team members addressed skills gaps, boosting capability and resilience across the function.

To improve visibility and strategic alignment, an internal communications campaign was launched, supported by a stakeholder mapping exercise. This initiative raised the team’s profile within the organisation, strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, and positioned procurement as an early and influential advisor in project initiation and approval processes. A redesigned organisational structure further enabled more efficient workflows and better coordination across the technology procurement function.

The interim manager also provided targeted support on large and complex projects, improving contract management and delivering tangible financial savings. ESG considerations were embedded throughout these efforts, with Barkers helping to design a scoring system for bids that incorporated sustainability and ESG credentials. This ensured that supplier selection and competitive tendering aligned with the client’s commitment to responsible and sustainable procurement practices.

These initiatives delivered measurable improvements across the technology procurement function, strengthening team capability, increasing visibility, and driving financial and strategic benefits for the organisation.

• Enhanced capability: Training and new hires improved team knowledge and capacity.
• Higher visibility: The internal communications campaign increased the team’s profile, resulting in earlier involvement in project initiation and approvals.
• Holistic procurement approach: Rescoping the function to include IT Projects and Consultancy provided a complete view of spend, driving significant cost savings.
• Contract savings: Several major project contracts, worth tens of millions of pounds, were renewed or restructured, improving supplier relations while securing financial benefits.
• Future-ready structure: A new organisational design was proposed and is set for implementation once a permanent team manager is appointed.
• Sustainable procurement: ESG criteria are now embedded into competitive tendering, ensuring the client’s sustainability objectives are considered in supplier selection.