Supply Chain Lead

Description:

Our client is an ambitious and rapidly growing advanced manufacturing business transforming the way high-precision components are produced and delivered. Through a combination of innovative technology, modern manufacturing techniques and a growing production footprint, they support some of the world's most demanding industries, where quality, reliability and on-time delivery are critical.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a hands-on Supply Chain Lead to take ownership of procurement, material planning, supplier performance and purchasing operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is not a purely strategic role. You'll be deeply involved in day-to-day supply chain execution, working closely with Production, Planning, Engineering and Quality teams to ensure materials, components and external services are available when needed.

You'll play a key role in building scalable supply chain processes while helping a growing business maintain operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Lead daily purchasing and material planning activities, ensuring production requirements are met.
Manage supplier performance, delivery schedules and recovery plans for at-risk materials.
Resolve shortages, bottlenecks and supply chain issues before they impact customer delivery.
Develop and strengthen supplier relationships, identifying new sources and expanding supply chain capability.
Coordinate procurement of raw materials, components, tooling and subcontract manufacturing services.
Ensure technical specifications, quality requirements, certifications and traceability requirements are correctly communicated to suppliers.
Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier commitments and order status within ERP/MRP systems.
Work closely with operational stakeholders to improve inventory visibility, forecasting and planning routines.
Monitor supplier KPIs including on-time delivery, quality performance and cost management.
Help build robust procurement processes, supplier networks and scalable supply chain practices.
Support supplier negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives and continuity-of-supply planning.
Mentor and support procurement team members as the business continues to grow.

Experience Required

Minimum 5 years' experience within Supply Chain, Procurement, Materials Management or Purchasing in a manufacturing environment.
Proven experience managing suppliers, purchasing priorities and material delivery challenges.
Strong understanding of technical purchasing requirements, manufacturing drawings and material specifications.
Experience working within quality-controlled manufacturing environments.
Knowledge of supplier approvals, certification management and material traceability.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems and supply chain planning tools.
Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Experience

Experience within aerospace, defence, automotive, precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, electronics or similarly regulated industries.
Exposure to outsourced manufacturing processes and specialist supply chain services.
Experience developing supplier networks and onboarding new suppliers.
Previous experience leading, coaching or mentoring procurement teams.
Professional qualifications such as CIPS, APICS/ASCM, CPSM or equivalent.

What We're Looking For

Someone who takes ownership and delivers outcomes.
A proactive individual who identifies issues before they become problems.
A supply chain professional who understands the impact procurement decisions have on manufacturing operations.
A practical leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and working closely with the factory floor.
Someone who thrives in a growing business and enjoys building processes, teams and supplier capability.

What's on Offer

Opportunity to join a growing, technology-led manufacturing business.
High level of visibility and responsibility.
Genuine opportunity to influence how the supply chain function develops.
Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
Excellent long-term career growth potential