At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain planning for critical defence programmes and ensure project success.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and volunteering days.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44600 - 55800 £ per year.
A Supply Chain Planning Manager is a mid-level management role in the Supply Chain Planning discipline of the Procurement and Supply Chain role family. This role manages the activities of a sub-area or section within this discipline, which could be comprised of technical, operational or support teams managed through Front Line Managers, and/or teams of professionals or technical specialists. This role is accountable for the performance and results of the teams within the sub-area or section with a focus on delivery against agreed plans and priorities.
Drive supply chain excellence across critical defence programmes at Babcock. As a Material and Inventory Planning Manager, you’ll take on a pivotal leadership role at the heart of complex defence and engineering programmes. You’ll lead operational planning activities, ensuring the effective coordination between demand and supply across multiple projects, helping to keep essential programmes on track.
Day-to-day, you’ll act as the key interface between project teams and supply chain operations. You’ll play a critical part in reducing risk, driving efficiency, and improving supply planning performance, all while developing your leadership capabilities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Leading and developing the operational planning team to deliver effective supply planning outcomes
- Managing supply plans and schedules to balance demand, resolve conflicts, and minimise project risk
- Driving supply chain planning improvements and implementing cost-efficient solutions
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure supply chain alignment and performance
- Analysing data and performance trends to improve forecasting, planning accuracy, and operational delivery
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 4 days in the office/onsite.
Essential experience includes:
- Experience leading teams within supply chain, planning, or inventory management environments
- Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes and planning methodologies
- Experience with planning systems such as MRP, ERP, or Master Production Scheduling
- Strong analytical skills, including experience with data analysis and reporting tools
- Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders across multiple levels
The successful candidate must be a sole UK National who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) security clearance for this role.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
Babcock is a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 09/06/2026
Defence Materials & Inventory Planning Manager employer: Nuclearinst
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Plymouth, Devon, where you can contribute to critical defence programmes while enjoying hybrid working arrangements. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme and unique initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, Babcock fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Materials & Inventory Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and supply chain sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Babcock and understand their projects and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in supply chain planning. Practise common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you’ve got experience with MRP, ERP, or data analysis tools, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of how you’ve improved supply chain processes in the past to demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Babcock. Keep an eye on new postings and get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Materials & Inventory Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Material and Inventory Planning Manager. Highlight your experience in supply chain management and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of supply chain processes and planning methodologies.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention any tools or systems you've used, like MRP or ERP, and how you've applied them to improve planning accuracy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of end-to-end supply chain processes and planning methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in managing teams and resolving conflicts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams within supply chain or inventory management environments. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve effective supply planning outcomes.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Familiarise yourself with data analysis and reporting tools. Be prepared to discuss how you've used analytical skills to improve forecasting and planning accuracy in past roles. Bring examples of how your insights led to operational improvements.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since this role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced decisions at different levels in your previous positions, showcasing your communication prowess.
