Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain initiatives, manage suppliers, and ensure timely delivery of programme items.
- Company: Join a leading UK Defence business focused on innovative command and control systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team solving real-world challenges while supporting the Royal Navy.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and experience in supply chain management required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about sustainability and innovation in defence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
You will be a key member of the Supply Chain team. Working within the defined processes and procedures, you will satisfy customer requirements while protecting the commercial and financial interests of the company. This role will be integral to the delivery of a sustainable supply chain to support the business. You will provide supply chain knowledge and guidance to the organisation.
This role develops strategic initiatives through optimisation of spend, collaboration with 3rd parties and developing ways of working through continuous improvement exercises and operation delivery such as demand forecasting, PO management, materials sourcing, scheduling and inventory management.
Our UK Defence business is a Sovereign software and systems centre of excellence. As well as developing and supporting UK wide and internationally deployed multi-domain command and control systems, our work is critical to the modern backbone of the Royal Navy. We pioneer – with fierce curiosity, dedication, and innovation, we seek to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
Responsibilities:
Providing senior supply chain support to the programmes through;
- Support in identification of suitable suppliers for 3rd party programme items and services
- Support in the shaping and strategy of negotiation and tendering practises to supply chain teams within the operating unit.
- Ensure that the eco-system is healthy and supports programme delivery within your OU.
Accountable for meeting programme schedule and budget commitments through supplier management including;
- Identification of suitable suppliers for 3rd party items and services.
- Lead competitive exercises to maintain on-time delivery to programme at best value.
- Negotiation and implementation of agreements with appropriate customer flow downs.
- Proactively maintain positive and mutually beneficial supplier relationships.
- Manage supplier price and availability, including alternative sources, in line with programme needs.
- Monitor and manage obsolescence and other supply issues, providing status updates and reports as requested
- Highlight and/or escalate, in a timely fashion, any supplier delinquency that affects the programme delivery schedule.
Ensuring that supplier performance measurement activities are maintained through good practise, including;
- Aligning suppliers to the Supplier Management Processes.
- Working with Mission Assurance and others; monitor supplier performance factors, such as OTIF, quality, risk & opportunity, management and values.
We are looking for:
- Qualified in a relevant subject preferably to degree level
- Demonstrable experience of proposal work and review
- Proven track record of building strong relationships
- Evidenced success in negotiating and managing subcontracts
- Relevant experience of working within a supply chain function
- Experience and understanding of how supply chain operates within organisations and how to maximise efficiency
- Proven experience and understanding of contract/subcontract law and management
Supply Chain Lead employer: Copello Global
Contact Detail:
Copello Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in supply chain management. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the supply chain field, especially those who have experience in defence or similar industries. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiations in the past. Highlighting your proven track record will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company’s values and recent projects, particularly in the UK Defence sector. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission and demonstrating your understanding of our work will show that you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain management, particularly any roles where you've demonstrated negotiation skills, supplier relationship management, and strategic initiatives. Use keywords from the job description to align your experience with what the company is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed suppliers or improved supply chain processes in previous positions. This is your chance to showcase your personality and passion for the field.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially if you have a degree in a relevant subject. Mention any certifications or training related to supply chain management that could set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements in previous roles. For example, mention how you improved delivery times, reduced costs, or enhanced supplier relationships. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello Global
✨Understand the Supply Chain Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the key components of supply chain management, especially in the context of defence. Be prepared to discuss how you can optimise spend and improve processes, as this role heavily focuses on these aspects.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a critical part of this role, come equipped with examples of past negotiations you've successfully led. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes, demonstrating your ability to secure the best value for the company.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
This position requires strong relationships with suppliers. Be ready to share specific instances where you've built or maintained positive supplier relationships, and explain how these contributed to successful programme delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in supply chain management, how you addressed them, and what the results were. This will showcase your practical experience and strategic thinking.
