Supply Chain Project Lead in Westhill

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Supply Chain Project Lead plays a pivotal role at the heart of a complex, global engineering project. You will take full end‑to‑end ownership of all supply chain activity, ensuring that every material, component, and service needed for delivery arrives on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. Working across an international supplier base and collaborating with multiple internal and external stakeholders, you’ll drive strategic supply chain planning, lead supplier engagement, manage project risk, and provide clear, proactive performance reporting. As the single point of accountability for supply chain delivery, you will be instrumental in keeping the programme on track. This is a time‑bound role aligned to the full lifecycle of the programme, offering a rare opportunity to shape and manage a highly specialised supply chain that supports the manufacture and integration of a deep saturation diving system into a new‑build naval vessel. It’s a challenging, high‑profile position where your expertise will directly influence the success of a flagship defence engineering project.

What you’ll be doing:

• Coordinate supply chain activities across global suppliers, internal manufacturing sites, and procurement teams.
• Manage intercompany supply routes and dependencies, ensuring clarity of demand ownership, procurement strategy, and responsibilities.
• Ensure alignment between supply chain teams and project priorities.
• Support the timely procurement of goods and services, including negotiating commercial terms and placing purchase orders.
• Present and regularly engage with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience delivering end-to-end supply chain activity in complex, project‑based, and highly regulated environments (defence, marine, offshore), including managing global, multi‑tier supply chains with intercompany routes and international suppliers.
• Skilled in developing and executing project‑specific supply chain strategies that balance cost, schedule, quality, and risk, supported by strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving capability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong background in supplier engagement and performance management, covering selection, contract support, progress tracking, risk mitigation, and issue resolution.
• Capable in supply chain risk identification and mitigation across schedule, obsolescence, single‑source dependencies, export controls, and logistics constraints, ensuring compliance with HSE, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Effective operating within matrix organisations, influencing stakeholders and collaborating closely with engineering, programme management, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and logistics teams.
• Proficient in clear, accurate supply chain performance reporting, and confident in communicating with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Early finish on Fridays. Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.). Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions. Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

About Us: James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting‑edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.