At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies for life-saving aerospace technology and manage supply chain risks.
- Company: Join Martin-Baker, the world leader in ejection and crashworthy seats.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, early finishes on Fridays, and personalised training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and exposure to global supply markets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical commodity area while collaborating with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commodity management; engineering background preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Denham
Martin-Baker is the world’s leading manufacturer of ejection and crashworthy seats, having saved over 7,800 lives to date. We combine cutting-edge engineering with a clear mission: protecting aircrew worldwide.
We are looking for a strategic and commercially driven Commodity Manager to take ownership of a critical supply chain area focused on energetic materials and pyrotechnic devices. This is a unique opportunity to shape sourcing strategy within a highly specialised and safety-critical environment.
The Role
- Leading the development and delivery of commodity strategies to ensure a resilient, low-risk, and high-performing supply chain.
- Working closely with cross-functional teams and key suppliers to support operational performance and long-term business objectives.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Developing and delivering commodity strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Creating and managing long-term supply chain plans.
- Leading make vs buy decisions and supporting capability development.
- Managing supply chain risk and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers and partners.
- Leading supplier negotiations and supporting cost analysis activities.
- Collaborating with Engineering, Programmes, Quality, and Operations teams.
- Supporting resolution of technical, quality, and delivery challenges.
- Representing the supply chain in customer and regulatory interactions where required.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in procurement, sourcing, or commodity management within engineering or manufacturing.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Experience managing complex or high-risk supply chains.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications (desirable).
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make clear recommendations.
- Experience working with specialist or regulated suppliers (desirable).
Qualifications
- Degree / HND (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- CIPS (or equivalent) qualification is advantageous.
Why Join Us?
- Work on life-saving aerospace technology.
- Influence strategic sourcing decisions in a critical commodity area.
- Collaborate with experts across engineering and supply chain.
- Gain exposure to highly specialised global supply markets.
Benefits
- 9% non-contributory pension (18+).
- Early finish on Fridays.
- 4x salary Life Assurance (18+).
- Personalised training & development plan.
- Healthcare Cash Plan.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with option to buy more).
- Cycle to Work & nursery benefits.
- Discounts via the Martin-Baker+ platform.
Your Interview Journey
- Initial telephone interview with Recruitment.
- First stage (Microsoft Teams) with Hiring Manager.
- Final stage: face-to-face technical and competency interview.
Please note: This role requires UK Government security clearance. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and currently reside in the UK.
Commodity Manager employer: Martin Baker
At Martin-Baker, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a life-saving aerospace technology environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, supported by a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, early finishes on Fridays, and personalised training plans. Join us in Denham to influence strategic sourcing decisions while working alongside industry experts dedicated to protecting aircrew worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to safety and innovation in aerospace. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commodity Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial awareness. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence in discussing pricing and supplier terms.
✨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 Commodity Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commodity Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and sourcing, especially in engineering or manufacturing, to show us you’re the right fit for this unique opportunity.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your commercial awareness and negotiation skills. We want to see how you’ve managed complex supply chains and made strategic decisions in your previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Martin-Baker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Martin Baker
✨Know Your Commodity Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of energetic materials and pyrotechnic devices. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in this field. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight your strategies, outcomes, and how you managed complex supplier relationships. This is crucial for a Commodity Manager role, so be ready to discuss your approach in detail.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked with different teams, like Engineering or Quality. Be prepared to share how you navigated challenges and contributed to successful outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to work in a collaborative environment, which is key for this position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your understanding of technical drawings and specifications, even if it's not a primary focus. Being able to interpret these can set you apart from other candidates. If you have experience with regulated suppliers, make sure to highlight that as well.
