Subcontracts Manufacturing Manager in Southampton

Copello is partnering with an established engineering and technology organisation delivering innovative solutions to customers operating in highly regulated and technically demanding sectors.

They are seeking an experienced Subcontracts Manufacturing Manager to play a key role in coordinating outsourced manufacturing activities, ensuring materials availability and supporting the successful delivery of customer programmes.

Working closely with Production, Supply Chain, Engineering and Project teams, you will be responsible for planning subcontract manufacturing activities, managing supplier deliveries and ensuring products are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain subcontract manufacturing plans in collaboration with Production Planners and Project Managers to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Coordinate material requirements through ERP/MRP systems, ensuring purchase requisitions and subcontractor orders are raised in line with production schedules.
• Work closely with Supply Chain to ensure supplier delivery plans are established and maintained.
• Build strong relationships with subcontract manufacturers and suppliers, negotiating delivery schedules, managing capacity and ensuring performance aligns with programme objectives.
• Monitor subcontract manufacturing progress, work in progress (WIP) and inventory levels, identifying potential risks and driving timely mitigation actions.
• Manage stock control activities, including inventory accuracy, stock takes and issuing production documentation to support manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Project Management teams to ensure subcontract manufacturers are working to the latest engineering changes, approved build configurations and technical documentation.
• Plan and manage subcontractor capacity to support current and future programme requirements.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders on production schedules, inventory status and programme progress, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Drive supplier performance and continuous improvement initiatives alongside Manufacturing Engineering and Supply Chain teams to enhance quality, delivery and operational efficiency.
• Ensure all subcontract manufacturing activities are carried out in accordance with company procedures, quality standards and business processes.

About You You will have proven experience managing subcontract manufacturing activities within a manufacturing or supply chain environment and be comfortable working across multiple functions in a fast-paced engineering organisation.

You should be able to demonstrate

• Experience in subcontract manufacturing, production planning, supply chain planning or manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems (experience with IFS would be advantageous).
• Experience managing subcontract manufacturers and suppliers, including delivery planning, capacity management and commercial negotiations.
• Knowledge of inventory management, work in progress (WIP) control and materials planning.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, production, procurement and programme teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks and implement effective mitigation plans.
• The ability to prioritise workloads and deliver against demanding programme schedules.
• Experience within electronics or electromechanical manufacturing would be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is desirable.
• A degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent industry experience is preferred, with CPIM certification considered an advantage.

Please note that candidates must be eligible for SC Clearance.

For more information, please get in touch with Georgia on (phone number removed)