Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier performance and enhance supply chain capabilities in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovation in aerospace and manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for growth, learning, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain excellence while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain or equivalent experience; expertise in supplier development required.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive individuals passionate about continuous improvement and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Supply Chain Manager / Supplier Development Manager – Sub-Assemblies
Working pattern: Hybrid, typically 2 days on‑site per week
Security clearance: Applicants must be British Citizens or Dual UK nationals with British citizenship and will need to meet HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements.
Preference will be given to those with experience working in the Aerospace, Defence or Manufacturing industries with high exposure to machining.
About the Role
We’re working with a leading organisation in the advanced technology and manufacturing sector to recruit an experienced Supply Chain Manager / Supplier Development Manager. This role has arisen as part of a major production ramp‑up, offering an exciting challenge for someone eager to make a tangible impact across complex, high‑value supply chains.
You’ll join a dynamic Sub‑Assemblies team responsible for ensuring supplier performance, capability, and delivery across both established and emerging technologies. This is a fast‑paced environment where collaboration, strategic oversight, and problem‑solving are key.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing and developing a portfolio of key suppliers to ensure on‑time, quality delivery.
- Leading supplier capability and capacity assessments to identify bottlenecks and risks.
- Driving continuous improvement in supplier performance using lean and structured problem‑solving tools such as DMAIC.
- Conducting capacity audits and supply‑chain mapping to evaluate end‑to‑end capability.
- Supporting programme delivery through proactive risk management and performance reporting.
- Creating and validating process flows, lead‑time analysis, and data‑driven insights to support decision‑making.
- Contributing to initiatives that enhance supply‑chain excellence within the wider department.
What You’ll Bring
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in Supply Chain or a related discipline.
- Proven background in supply‑chain management or supplier development within aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
- In‑depth understanding of machining processes and aerospace surface treatments.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience using lean tools and root‑cause methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to improve supplier performance and manage industrial risk.
- Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting summaries and recommendations at senior levels.
- Experience working across international supply networks is advantageous.
Are you ready to shape the future of a growing supply chain operation? Apply today to take the next step in your career.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Supply Chain
Industries
Engineering Services and Defence and Space Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Innovate by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Supplier Development Manager employer: Innovate
Contact Detail:
Innovate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the aerospace, defence, and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in supplier development.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with lean methodologies and continuous improvement tools. Consider taking a short course or certification to demonstrate your commitment to these practices, as they are crucial for the Supplier Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with capacity audits and problem-solving frameworks like DMAIC during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified bottlenecks and implemented improvements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest technologies and trends in supply chain management. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your enthusiasm for the role and the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supplier development, particularly within aerospace, defence, or manufacturing sectors. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Emphasise your degree-level qualification in Supply Chain and any international experience you have in high-technology environments.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've applied problem-solving frameworks like DMAIC in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where you've driven improvement initiatives and enhanced supplier performance.
Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Discuss any lean methodologies or continuous improvement tools you've implemented in past positions. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to enhancing supply chain capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Supplier Development Manager, you'll need strong analytical abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data analysis to drive improvements or solve problems in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Lean Methodologies
Familiarity with lean methodologies is crucial for this role. Brush up on your knowledge of continuous improvement tools and be ready to explain how you've applied them in past experiences to enhance supplier performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential supply chain challenges and how you would approach them using frameworks like DMAIC to demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when preparing executive summaries. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex information to various stakeholders in your previous positions.
