Supply Chain Design Senior in Saffron Walden

Artifex Interior Systems is pleased to confirm the below opportunity within our business: This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Business Development and R&D team at a key moment, as we drive new business, growth, and diversification under Tata AutoComp's strategic direction. As we enter an exciting expansion phase, you'll gain hands-on exposure to commercial activities within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. Guided by our commitment to build tomorrow's interior solutions today, we pride ourselves on living our values of Unity, Integrity, Responsibility, Pioneering and Excellence – and we're looking for motivated individuals ready to help shape our future.

Main purpose of the job

The Senior Supply Chain Design professional plays a critical role in shaping the long-term operational strategy of the manufacturing network. This role focuses on designing, modelling, and optimizing a resilient end to end supply chain covering sourcing, production, inventory, and distribution. Using data driven analytics and scenario modelling, the position drives strategic decisions on factory footprint, capacity, product flows, and cost to serve, ensuring the company's manufacturing operations remain competitive, scalable, and efficient.

Main missions and results

• Manufacturing Network Strategy

• Design and optimise the global and regional manufacturing footprint, including plant locations, capacity allocation, production flows, and supplier alignment.
• Evaluate make versus buy scenarios, dual sourcing options, and potential insourcing/outsourcing opportunities.
• Conduct long term capacity planning, including line utilisation analysis, capital investment recommendations, and throughput optimisation.

• Build detailed models using tools like Llamasoft/LLamasoft, AnyLogistix, Supply Chain Guru, Python, or Excel.
• Perform scenario simulations such as: new plant introduction; product or SKU rationalisation; nearshoring/offshoring decisions; inventory policy design; workforce/capacity constraints.
• Quantify cost, service, lead time, and risk impacts to support leadership decision making.

• Develop safety stock, cycle stock, and strategic inventory frameworks aligned with manufacturing variability and customer demand.
• Analyse production sequencing, changeover strategies, and batch policies to optimise cost and output.
• Partner with operations to improve OEE, reduce variability, and build scenarios for labour/capacity flexibility.

• Recommend sourcing strategies aligned with manufacturing footprint goals.
• Evaluate supplier consolidation, nearshoring, cost-to-procure, MOQ implications, and supply risk.
• Support supplier transitions and qualification processes by modelling operational impacts.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Finance, Quality, and S&OP teams.
• Present insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for supply chain design across all manufacturing divisions.

• Identify vulnerabilities in the manufacturing network and propose mitigation: dual sourcing, plant redundancies, product re-routing, etc.
• Model carbon footprint and sustainability impacts of manufacturing and logistics decisions.
• Design resilient networks capable of handling demand spikes, supply disruptions, and regional regulatory changes.

Preferred skills and experience

• Proven experience in supply chain planning or logistics coordination, ideally in automotive or manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of prototype logistics and early-phase project requirements.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and data analytics; experience with BI tools preferred.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Degree or diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related discipline desirable.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills; familiarity with PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Self-driven, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list. All employees are expected to show flexibility and continued self-development to meet the ever-changing needs of the business. All job descriptions / vacancy notices will be subject to continual development.

Internal closing date: Tuesday, 3rd February 2026. Please note if you apply after this date that you may still be progressed, but depending on the volume of applications we are unable to guarantee the ability to accommodate.

Artifex Interior Systems Limited is an equal opportunities employer and committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised.

Interested?

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV with your contact details. If this job isn't quite what you are looking for but you are looking for a new position within Automotive, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.