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- Tasks: Lead strategic supply chain solutions in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Join a secure and innovative technology and engineering organisation in Cheltenham.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical programmes while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain or procurement with strong negotiation skills.
Copello are recruiting for a Supply Chain Lead to join a growing and highly secure technology and engineering environment based in Cheltenham. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering strategic supply chain solutions that support complex, mission-critical programmes within a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation.
The Opportunity
As Supply Chain Lead, you’ll be responsible for delivering a sustainable, efficient, and strategically aligned supply chain capability across a range of programmes. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, you’ll help shape sourcing strategies, strengthen supplier relationships, and drive operational performance improvements. This position would suit someone with strong commercial awareness, supplier management experience, and the ability to operate effectively within complex programme environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior supply chain support across programmes, including identifying suitable suppliers and supporting negotiation and tendering strategies.
- Lead competitive sourcing activities to ensure value for money, timely delivery, and alignment with programme requirements.
- Negotiate and implement supplier agreements, ensuring commercial and contractual requirements are effectively managed.
- Manage supplier relationships proactively, including performance, pricing, availability, and obsolescence risks.
- Oversee supplier performance governance and report on key metrics including OTIF, quality, and risk.
- Collaborate closely with programme and operational teams, providing regular reporting and stakeholder updates.
- Support and mentor wider Supply Chain team members while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Previous experience within a supply chain or procurement function.
- Strong understanding of subcontract negotiation and contract management principles.
- Experience supporting the supply chain elements of complex programmes or projects.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Advanced Excel and MS Office skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Degree qualified or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification.
- Experience working with US export/import trade controls.
- Additional European language skills.
Candidates who meet most, but not all, of the criteria are still encouraged to apply.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Government security clearance.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements, including compressed working options.
- Private healthcare.
- Health cash plan.
- Holiday buy/sell scheme.
- Ongoing career development and progression opportunities.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
Supply Chain Senior Specialist in Cheltenham employer: Copello
Contact Detail:
Copello Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Senior Specialist in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around supplier management and negotiation strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail, which are key for a Supply Chain Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Senior Specialist in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in supply chain management and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your supplier management experience and how you can contribute to our strategic supply chain solutions.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills, especially if you have experience with complex programmes. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on your journey with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Know Your Supply Chain Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your supply chain knowledge, especially around sourcing strategies and supplier management. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, prepare to demonstrate how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring along examples of reports or metrics you've worked with, and be ready to explain how they influenced your actions.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Excellent communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing stakeholder management and collaboration with teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex programme environments. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would tackle them, showcasing your strategic thinking and adaptability.