At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier performance and drive improvements in quality and delivery for defence programmes.
- Company: Join a leading defence engineering firm with over 70 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent transport links, onsite gym, and coffee shop.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while working with key suppliers and innovative methodologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier development and a background in aerospace or defence manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role sits at the heart of supply chain performance across complex defence programmes. You will take ownership of supplier capability, delivery and risk, working closely with key partners to drive measurable improvements across quality, output and resilience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead supplier performance across delivery, quality and capacity
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks impacting programme delivery
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
- Work closely with suppliers to improve capability and operational performance
- Manage a portfolio of strategic suppliers, tracking KPIs and driving outcomes
What we are looking for:
- Proven experience in supplier development / supplier performance / SRM
- Background in aerospace, defence or complex manufacturing environments
- Strong understanding of Lean, DMAIC or continuous improvement tools
- Experience managing supplier risk and performance data
- Confident stakeholder engagement across internal teams and suppliers
What happens now?
If your application meets the initial selection criteria, a member of our talent acquisition team will contact you via email to arrange a structured screening call. This conversation will explore your experience, technical background, and suitability for the role in more detail.
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by our client's Security Team.
More about the role:
For more than 70 years, our client has been in a strong partnership with the UK military. They have accomplished numerous milestones in defence engineering and have provided essential defence capabilities to meet the requirements of the armed forces across land, sea, and air. This role is based at our client's headquarters in Stevenage, a key location for missile operations. The site offers excellent transportation links, an onsite gym, and a coffee shop.
Supplier Development Manager Defence - Manufacturing in Westhoughton employer: Guidant Global
As a Supplier Development Manager in Defence Manufacturing, you will join a company with over 70 years of partnership with the UK military, renowned for its commitment to excellence in defence engineering. Located at our headquarters in Stevenage, you will benefit from a vibrant work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and employee growth, alongside excellent facilities such as an onsite gym and coffee shop. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on national security while working in a collaborative environment that values innovation and resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Development Manager Defence - Manufacturing in Westhoughton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in supplier development.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially in defence. Be ready to discuss how your experience with Lean and Six Sigma can drive improvements in their supply chain performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight specific examples of how you've improved supplier performance or mitigated risks in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Development Manager Defence - Manufacturing in Westhoughton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supplier Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier performance and any relevant projects you've worked on in aerospace or defence. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:When writing your application, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, showcase your achievements using metrics where possible. Did you improve supplier performance? Quantify it! We love seeing measurable outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and make sure to address all key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supplier development and performance metrics. Familiarise yourself with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re not just talking the talk.
✨Showcase Your Achievements
Prepare to share concrete examples of how you've improved supplier performance or mitigated risks in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you clearly demonstrate your impact and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with internal teams and suppliers in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any strategies you’ve used to build strong relationships.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s current supply chain challenges or their approach to continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
