Sourcing Operations Leader - Distribution & Control (UK) in Cheltenham

The Sourcing Operations Leader – Distribution & Control (UK) ensures end‑to‑end fulfillment of all hardware requirements from New Product Introduction (NPI) through the full production life cycle across the UK Power Distribution and Control businesses. The role secures the best contractual and commercial conditions while maintaining a strong focus on internal customer satisfaction, on‑time delivery, and quality. Acting as a key business partner, the leader interprets internal priorities and external market trends, recommending best practices to enhance products, processes, and services, and uses data‑driven insights to support strategic decision‑making.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Own business fulfilment performance and ensure all products are delivered on time, every time, in line with customer and business requirements.
• Tackle supplier performance issues, driving down supplier delinquency and reducing red work orders towards zero to enable the business to achieve its financial output plan.
• Lead supplier recovery actions at the Gemba, using Pareto analysis and data insights to implement short‑term countermeasures and drive longer‑term problem solving.
• Manage source changes in line with change management processes, mitigating supply risk and partnering with the Commercial team to prioritise major changes that deliver cost‑out and improved competitiveness.
• Partner closely with the business to execute NPI, leading the NPI team and process, and ensuring appropriate commercial and sourcing strategies are in place to meet program and hardware needs.
• Use FLIGHT DECK to run effective daily and weekly management, creating transparency on risks, actions and performance so that business requirements for delivery, quality and cost are met.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships, collaborating with the Commercial, Business, NPI and Engineering teams to lead supplier reviews and ensure performance meets GE expectations.
• Develop deep functional expertise and credibility, acting as a subject‑matter expert and thought leader in sourcing operations, influencing policies and ensuring effective execution within the function and across interfaces.
• Lead others in solving complex, cross‑functional problems, challenging data where needed, drawing on multiple internal and external resources, and driving creative, high‑quality solutions that impact the broader organisation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Significant experience in Supply Chain, preferably with a focus on Sourcing and Procurement.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Proven interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive accountability.
• Experience in negotiation and strategy development, particularly in supplier and commercial contexts.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability, with a track record of analysing issues, defining actions and delivering results.
• Proven programme or project leadership, including the ability to document, plan, communicate and execute initiatives effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Sourcing, Shop Operations or Production Control, with practical understanding of manufacturing and supply flows.
• Manufacturing experience in Aerospace or Automotive.
• Strong experience in Lean process methodologies.

Other Requirements

• Flexible working arrangements are supported and encouraged where possible, recognising the benefits of a positive work‑life balance for employees.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Failure to obtain BPSS clearance may result in ineligibility for the position or withdrawal of any offer, on grounds of national security.
• Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications. Under UK immigration rules, candidates without the right to work may not be appointed if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available.

Total Reward

• Pension
• Bonus
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover