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- Tasks: Lead and shape a strategic supply chain in a growing engineering business.
- Company: Dynamic engineering manufacturing company with exciting future projects.
- Benefits: High level of ownership, collaborative culture, and opportunity for real impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference by improving supplier relationships and operational performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain leadership and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Do you want to build and shape a strategic supply chain within a growing engineering business? Are you commercially driven and confident negotiating with suppliers to improve cost, quality and delivery? Looking for a role where you can influence both operational performance and long-term strategy?
I’m supporting a specialist engineering manufacturing business that is looking to appoint a Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of its procurement and supplier strategy. This is a key role within a growing organisation, focused on strengthening supplier relationships, improving purchasing processes and ensuring the business has a robust, scalable supply chain to support future growth.
The Opportunity
You’ll lead both the strategic and operational supply chain, working closely with engineering, commercial and finance teams to ensure materials and services are delivered on time, to quality and within budget. This role offers a strong mix of supplier strategy, commercial negotiation and operational leadership.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Owning supplier selection, negotiation and performance management
- Developing long-term supplier relationships and improving commercial terms
- Supporting project teams to ensure supply aligns with production and delivery schedules
- Implementing supplier frameworks, SLAs and purchasing processes
- Monitoring KPIs, costs and supplier performance to drive improvement
- Leading and developing the purchasing function
What They’re Looking For
- Experience in supply chain or procurement leadership within manufacturing or engineering
- Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation skills
- Experience managing suppliers and implementing processes or change
- Confident communicator able to work across engineering, operations and finance
- Organised, proactive and solutions-focused mindset
Why Consider This Role?
- Opportunity to build and shape a strategic supply chain function
- Growing engineering business with exciting future projects
- High level of ownership and influence
- Supportive, collaborative culture
If you’re a Supply Chain Manager looking for a role where you can make a real impact, I’d be happy to discuss in confidence.
Supply Chain Manager in Reading employer: Delve Search - Global Search Consultants
Contact Detail:
Delve Search - Global Search Consultants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨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. We want you to showcase your negotiation skills and strategic thinking!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly! This shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their supply chain success.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase those negotiation skills that we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about building a strategic supply chain and how your background in engineering manufacturing makes you the perfect fit for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and operational leadership. Numbers speak volumes, so include any KPIs or improvements you’ve driven in previous positions.
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 to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Delve Search - Global Search Consultants
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's supply chain processes and challenges. Research their suppliers, products, and any recent news about their operations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to improving their procurement and supplier strategy.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your past experiences in negotiating with suppliers. Think of specific examples where you successfully improved costs or quality. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your approach and strategies during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with engineering, commercial, and finance teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated across departments in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve managed to align different teams towards common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Solutions-Focused Mindset
Employers are looking for someone who is proactive and solutions-oriented. Think of challenges you've faced in supply chain management and how you overcame them. Presenting these examples will illustrate your ability to drive improvement and adapt to changing circumstances.