At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise a complex supply chain while driving operational improvements.
- Company: Join a global leader in advanced materials characterisation and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, private health insurance, and professional development support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in materials science and support global innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management within engineering or advanced manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Onsite Oxford Instruments Materials Analysis – High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
About Us
Oxford Instruments Materials Analysis is a global leader in advanced materials characterisation. Our cutting‑edge technologies support customers across academia and industry to understand the structure, composition, and properties of materials at the micro and nanoscale. From electron microscopy and X‑ray analysis to spectroscopy and imaging solutions, our products play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, improving manufacturing processes, and enabling innovation across sectors such as semiconductors, metals, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a leader who is energised by the day‑to‑day realities of running a complex supply chain—someone who enjoys improving operational performance and fixing issues in real time, while also having the capability to step back and implement longer‑term strategic improvements. You will work closely with engineering, R&D, and manufacturing teams, ensuring that our supply chain supports both innovation and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational (70%)
- Lead the day‑to‑day performance of the supply chain supporting, ensuring continuity of supply for complex, precision‑built systems.
- Facilitate immediate frontline support and work with the operations team to provide solutions to urgent material requirements.
- Drive improvements in On Time In Full (OTIF) performance across suppliers and internal operations.
- Actively manage and improve supplier performance (quality, cost, delivery).
- Implement and lead structured supplier reviews (QBRs / performance reviews) to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve component‑level issues impacting product performance and delivery.
- Lead the Supply Chain element of the Engineering Change Process, ensuring a well‑managed and low impact implementation into Operations.
- Strengthen processes for quality, returns, and MRB, particularly where components affect instrument accuracy and reliability.
- Ensure effective MRP alignment and execution, translating demand into reliable and timely supply.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, particularly within niche or technically specialised supplier markets.
- Support production and operations in resolving live supply challenges and bottlenecks.
- Strategic (30%)
- Work with the Operations team and Group strategic Sourcing to set and implement a procurement strategy and ensure the procurement team is aligned to meet departmental goals and objectives.
- Provide leadership, guidance and ensure the continued development of staff and other team members.
- Be accountable for the development of the key metrics and service level initiatives to improve customer satisfaction.
- Understand opportunities to simplify the supply chain whilst driving PPV by identifying and improving existing, and new potential value streams.
- Identify, manage & mitigate supply chain risks to the business.
- Provide leadership, guidance and ensure the continued development of staff and other team members.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in procurement or supply chain within engineering, advanced manufacturing, or scientific instrumentation.
- A track record of hands‑on operational improvements, not just strategy definition.
- Strong background in supplier performance management (cost, quality, delivery).
- Confidence working with engineers and technical stakeholders on product and component challenges.
- Experience managing low‑volume, high‑complexity supply chains.
- A continuous improvement mindset, focused on real, measurable outcomes.
Why Join Oxford Instruments Materials Analysis?
You’ll be part of an organisation at the forefront of materials science and analytical technology, where your work directly supports innovation and scientific advancement worldwide.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 12 additional weeks.
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support including counselling, financial guidance, and legal advice).
- Private health insurance, dental insurance, and life assurance.
- Money & Lifestyle MyDiscounts platform – savings with leading retailers.
- Car salary exchange scheme (electric or hybrid vehicles).
- TechScheme & CycleScheme – spread the cost of tech, home goods, or bikes.
- Company pension plan with AVIVA.
- Share Incentive Plan – invest in and benefit from company success.
Development
Support for professional and academic qualifications. Defined career pathways and regular development reviews.
Supply Chain Manager employer: Oxford Instruments
Oxford Instruments Materials Analysis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in High Wycombe where innovation meets operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including private health insurance and a generous leave policy, and a commitment to advancing materials science, we empower our Supply Chain Managers to lead impactful projects that drive scientific discovery and manufacturing improvements. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Oxford Instruments, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Supply Chain Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Oxford Instruments. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Oxford Instruments and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Oxford Instruments.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Oxford Instruments
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Oxford Instruments might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
