At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise the entire supply chain for a growing aerospace and defence company.
- Company: Rapidly growing aerospace and defence technology organisation in Swindon.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £125,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and help shape the future of defence technology.
- Why this job: Take on a challenging role and make a real impact in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in supply chain and knowledge of regulated sectors.
The predicted salary is between 125000 - 125000 £ per year.
Copello are partnering with a rapidly growing aerospace and defence technology organisation to find an experienced Head of Supply Chain to lead procurement, production planning, supplier development, and end‑to‑end supply chain operations during a significant period of growth and manufacturing expansion.
If you are currently feeling complacent and want a challenge with a really exciting defence SME this is the job for you!
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Director of Industrial Operations, you will take ownership of the entire product supply chain, ensuring the business can successfully ramp production while maintaining quality, resilience, cost efficiency, and delivery performance. You’ll play a pivotal role in building supplier partnerships, developing sourcing strategies, improving planning processes, and establishing a robust supply chain capable of supporting high‑volume manufacturing in a regulated defence environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement and strategic sourcing activities across direct materials and production requirements
- Drive supplier selection, qualification, development, and performance management
- Oversee production planning, inventory management, and S&OP alignment
- Develop and implement supply chain strategies to support manufacturing growth
- Negotiate commercial agreements and long‑term supplier partnerships
- Build supply chain resilience through risk mitigation, dual sourcing, and supplier development initiatives
- Establish efficient logistics, warehousing, and material flow processes
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across procurement, planning, logistics, and supplier management
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Programme teams
About You
- Significant leadership experience within supply chain, procurement, or operations in a complex manufacturing environment
- Proven experience scaling or transforming supply chains during periods of growth
- Strong knowledge of procurement, supplier development, production planning, and inventory management
- Experience working within highly regulated sectors such as aerospace, defence, automotive, advanced engineering, electronics, or medical devices
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain best practices
- Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance
Head of Supply Chain in Swindon employer: Energy Jobline ZR
World Wide Technology (WWT) is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Programme Director in London. With a strong focus on employee growth, WWT offers opportunities to lead cutting-edge automation projects while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. The company values transparent communication and client-first service, ensuring that employees are empowered to drive meaningful outcomes and develop their skills in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain in Swindon
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Energy Jobline ZR, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Head of Supply Chain in Swindon.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Energy Jobline ZR. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Energy Jobline ZR and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Energy Jobline ZR.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Energy Jobline ZR
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Energy Jobline ZR might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
