Supply Chain Manager in Swindon

TEKEVER leads innovation in Europe as a leader in unmanned technology. We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space. Our unique surveillance-as-a-service solution delivers real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. We support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace. Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission-driven team transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards. Our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making. If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

The Supply Chain Manager – Direct Purchasing is responsible for executing procurement strategy, managing supplier performance, and ensuring material and service availability across Tekever’s UK Research & Development and manufacturing operations. You will support the scaling of serial production of the AR3 and AR5 platforms by delivering cost-effective and reliable sourcing with a focus on sovereign capability, while adapting procurement strategies to enable fast-paced Research and Development. This role balances hands-on purchasing execution with structured supplier and category management, ensuring cost, quality, and lead-time targets are met. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, logistics, trade compliance, and commercial teams, taking ownership of day-to-day procurement performance while contributing to broader supply chain improvements. You will inherit an evolving supplier base and play a key role in strengthening, rationalising, and professionalising procurement capability to support production growth.

Responsibilities

• Procurement and Purchasing
  • Execute procurement activities across direct materials (e.g. components, assemblies, raw materials).
  • Manage the end-to-end purchasing cycle: requisition validation, RFQs, supplier selection, negotiation support, PO placement, and follow-up.
  • Deliver cost savings in line with departmental targets through negotiation, supplier consolidation, and demand management.
  • Support the development and implementation of category strategies.
  • Maintain accurate purchasing data, pricing records, and contract documentation.
• Supplier Management and Development
  • Manage day-to-day relationships with suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply and issue resolution.
  • Monitor supplier performance against KPIs including OTIF, quality (PPM, NCR), cost, and responsiveness.
  • Lead supplier onboarding, qualification, and audit activities in line with quality standards (e.g. ISO9001, AS9100, ISO14001, ISO27001).
  • Work with Quality and Engineering to resolve supplier performance issues and drive corrective actions.
  • Contribute to supplier development initiatives, including dual sourcing and risk mitigation for critical components.
• Cost Control and Reporting
  • Track spend against budget and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
  • Support spend analysis reporting to identify trends, risks, and savings opportunities.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement policies, financial controls, and approval processes.
  • Assist in managing working capital by optimising payment terms, order quantities, and stock coverage.
• Process Improvement and Systems
  • Support continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools, and workflows.
  • Maintain high-quality ERP/MRP master data (pricing, lead times, supplier data).
  • Work with planning, IT, and finance teams to improve data accuracy and system effectiveness.
  • Contribute to the implementation or enhancement of ERP/MRP systems.
• Risk, Compliance and Governance
  • Identify and escalate supply risks including single-source exposure, long lead times, and supplier constraints.
  • Support compliance with export controls, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
  • Ensure procurement activities align with quality, security, and ethical sourcing requirements.
  • Contribute to supplier risk assessments including financial and operational.

Essential What You’ll Bring

• Minimum of 3 years proven experience in a supply chain, procurement, or purchasing role within a regulated or engineered-product environment (e.g. aerospace, defence, automotive, electronics, or similar).
• Strong operational procurement capability, including PO management, supplier coordination, and expediting.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, IFS, Enterprise 365, Odoo).
• Ability to manage supplier relationships and resolve day-to-day supply and quality issues.
• Good commercial awareness, including basic negotiation and cost control principles and experience with terms and conditions flow down.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Exposure to supplier qualification processes and quality standards (e.g. AS9100 and ISO9001).
• Experience supporting production or manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of cost analysis, should-costing, or value engineering principles.
• Working knowledge of export controls or regulated industry requirements.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards).

What We Offer

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.
• Salary commensurate with level of experience.
• Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.
• 25 days annual holiday + 8 Bank holidays.
• Medical Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme).
• Discretionary annual company bonus.

TEKEVER is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All offers are conditional on successful pre-employment screening, including UK security clearance where required.