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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive sourcing strategies in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Growing defence engineering business in the unmanned systems sector.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on quality and compliance.
- Why this job: Play a key role in building a robust supply chain for innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong communication skills required.
Location: London, minimum 2 days onsite preferred
Type: Permanent
Sector: Defence / Aerospace / UAV
Overview
We are supporting a growing defence engineering business in the unmanned systems sector that is looking to strengthen its supply chain capability as part of a wider scale-up in product delivery and manufacturing readiness. They are seeking a Supply Chain Manager to manage supplier relationships, support sourcing strategy, and drive commercial engagement across a supplier base focused on components and metallic parts. This is a key role for someone who can combine supplier relationship management, commercial awareness, contracts understanding, and client-facing capability in a growing, delivery-driven business.
Role Purpose
The successful candidate will take ownership of supplier relationships and help build a more robust and scalable supply chain capable of supporting a growing engineering and manufacturing operation. The focus will be on ensuring suppliers can deliver the required quality, cost, and lead-time performance, while also supporting the business in commercial and contractual discussions.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage relationships with suppliers providing components, metallic parts, and other key manufacturing inputs
- Develop and maintain a supply chain capable of supporting growth in engineering and production activity
- Work with suppliers to improve delivery performance, responsiveness, quality, and cost
- Support commercial and contractual discussions with suppliers
- Contribute to sourcing strategy and supplier selection
- Act as a key interface between the business and external suppliers
- Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and programme teams to ensure supplier capability aligns with delivery needs
- Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation plans
- Help build a more structured supply chain model to support business growth and manufacturing scale-up
- Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships where supply chain performance has a direct impact on programme delivery
What you will need
- Experience in supply chain, supplier management, procurement, or commercial roles within engineering, aerospace, defence, or manufacturing environments
- Strong experience managing supplier relationships for components and metallic parts
- Commercially aware, with understanding of contracts, supplier negotiations, and delivery risk
- Able to operate confidently with both suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Strong communication and relationship management skills
- Experience in a scaling or fast-paced engineering/manufacturing environment
- Good understanding of how supply chain performance affects programme delivery and client outcomes
Desirable
- Aerospace, defence, UAV, or advanced manufacturing background
- Experience in building or maturing a supply chain function
- Exposure to complex engineering products and lower-volume to scaling production environments
- Understanding of quality and compliance expectations in regulated sectors
Summary
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who can help build and manage the supplier ecosystem needed to support a growing unmanned systems business, with a particular focus on components, metallic parts, commercial control, and supplier relationship management.
Supply Chain Manager employer: Electus Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Electus Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience in supplier management and commercial negotiations. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've improved supply chain performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain challenges. Understand their products and how your skills can help them scale up. This will show that you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in helping them succeed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier management and any relevant projects you've worked on in engineering or manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with what 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 supply chain management and how your background fits into the defence and aerospace sectors. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved supplier relationships or contributed to sourcing strategies. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Electus Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of supply chain management, especially in the defence and aerospace sectors. Familiarise yourself with key terms like 'lead-time performance' and 'supplier relationship management' so you can speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the company's needs.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of contracts and supplier negotiations. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated commercial discussions or improved supplier performance. This will demonstrate your ability to drive commercial engagement, which is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical supply chain challenges. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would manage risks or improve delivery performance. This shows your problem-solving skills and your proactive approach to supply chain management.
✨Highlight Your Relationship Management Skills
Since this role involves managing relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, come ready with examples of how you've built strong partnerships in the past. Discuss how you’ve maintained communication and resolved conflicts, as this will illustrate your capability to act as a key interface between the business and suppliers.