At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team in supply chain and commercial operations.
- Company: Join British Airways, a leader in aviation with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion as part of our journey to connect the world.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, evolving industry while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in supply chain, procurement, or logistics required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
We know that every British Airways colleague is on their own, original journey. Perhaps you’re ready to take on a new leadership challenge within Engineering. Or maybe you’re looking to broaden your experience by leading a key function that sits at the heart of operational delivery. Whichever direction you’re headed next, we want you to be able to progress in a way that feels right for you, with the support of your manager. British Airways never stands still, and we don’t expect our people to either.
The Role:
- Grade: B2 Medium
- Working pattern: Full-time, aligned to operational business requirements.
Our Engineering Supply Chain operation plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of aircraft maintenance and component repair activities. As the Commercial & Supply Chain Operations Manager, you will lead BAEW's end-to-end supply chain and commercial operations, bringing together buyers, analysts, procurement officers and warehouse teams into one integrated function. Working in close partnership with BA Engineering Central Supply Chain, you'll drive supply chain performance, strengthen supplier and customer relationships, optimise material flow, and lead the transformation of our warehouse and fulfilment operations to support the future needs of Engineering.
What you'll do:
- Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary Supply Chain & Commercial team across BAEW.
- Drive the development and execution of supply chain strategies aligned to Engineering business objectives.
- Ensure strong functional alignment with BA Engineering Central Supply Chain and associated stakeholders.
- Lead the transformation of warehouse and parts distribution operations to create an efficient, integrated fulfilment model.
- Take accountability for end-to-end procurement processes and commercial contracting with customers, suppliers and partners.
- Improve inventory flow, point-of-use delivery and line-side material availability to enhance operational productivity.
- Build and maintain strong supplier and customer relationships, negotiating favourable commercial outcomes.
- Manage supply chain risks and develop mitigation plans to minimise operational disruption.
- Leverage digital tools, AI and PowerApps to simplify processes and improve efficiency.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, data-led decision making and operational excellence.
What you'll bring to British Airways:
- You’ll be a visible and credible leader with strong commercial awareness and the ability to bring teams together behind a common purpose.
- You’ll be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery.
- Strong leadership and people management capability.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Commercial acumen and negotiation expertise.
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset.
- The ability to analyse complex data and make informed decisions.
- Resilience, adaptability and a continuous improvement focus.
- A commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence.
Your experience:
- We’re looking for an experienced leader who can demonstrate significant senior-level leadership experience within supply chain, procurement, logistics or warehouse operations.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering operational transformation.
- Proven experience managing end-to-end procurement and commercial contracting activities.
- Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation experience.
- Experience improving supply chain performance, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
- Knowledge of operating within a regulated or complex operational environment.
- Experience within aviation, engineering maintenance (MRO), manufacturing or a comparable industry.
- Experience implementing digital solutions, automation or process improvement initiatives.
- Professional supply chain or procurement accreditation (e.g., MCIPS, APICS/ASCM).
Qualifications:
- Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business or equivalent relevant experience.
Inclusion & Diversity
At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Supply Chain & Commercial Operations Lead employer: British Airways
At British Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Lead Network Engineer, you'll enjoy unparalleled staff travel benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity that ensures every voice is heard. Join us in shaping the future of air travel while enjoying a fulfilling career that truly takes you places.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain & Commercial Operations Lead
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at British Airways, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Supply Chain & Commercial Operations Lead.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain & Commercial Operations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at British Airways. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research British Airways and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at British Airways.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by British Airways
Look into any unique supply chain challenges British Airways might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
