At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and materials planning to ensure smooth production schedules.
- Company: Specialist engineering and manufacturing organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for career growth, and exposure to high-profile projects.
- Other info: Influential role with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape supply chain performance in a dynamic, technically complex environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and materials planning, strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
A specialist engineering and manufacturing organisation operating in a complex, project-led production environment is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to lead sourcing, materials planning and inbound supply activities across multiple programmes. This role plays a critical part in ensuring materials, components and services are available to support demanding build schedules, while also driving strong commercial outcomes and long-term supplier performance. You’ll operate at both a strategic and operational level, working closely with production, engineering, programme management and finance to keep delivery on track.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and execute an effective supply chain strategy aligned to business and programme requirements
- Lead procurement activity including sourcing, supplier evaluation, commercial negotiation and contract placement
- Build and maintain robust supplier relationships to improve cost control, delivery reliability and quality performance
- Identify supply chain risks early and put mitigation plans in place, including alternative sourcing and capacity planning
- Oversee materials planning and scheduling to ensure continuity of supply into manufacturing
- Manage MRP processes, ensuring accuracy of demand signals, lead times and inventory parameters
- Coordinate closely with production and engineering teams to manage changes, priorities and build requirements
- Drive effective inventory management, balancing availability with working capital and space constraints
- Take ownership of inbound logistics and material flow from supplier through to point of use
- Monitor supplier KPIs, resolve issues proactively and drive continuous improvement
- Maintain integrity of ERP/MRP data relating to pricing, lead times, stock and supplier information
- Provide clear reporting on supply status, risks, costs and performance metrics
- Champion efficiency improvements across supply chain processes, systems and ways of working
About you
You will be an experienced Supply Chain Manager or Senior Supply Chain professional with a background in manufacturing or complex engineering environments. You are likely to bring:
- Proven experience across procurement, materials planning and supplier management
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills with demonstrable cost and value outcomes
- Solid understanding of MRP/ERP systems, inventory control and production-led planning
- Experience working in low-volume, high-variation or build-to-order manufacturing settings
- The ability to interpret data and forecasts to support confident decision-making
- A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to influence across functions
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
- Formal qualifications in supply chain, procurement or engineering (e.g. CIPS, APICS/CPIM) are advantageous, though practical experience is highly valued.
Why apply?
- A senior, influential role within a technically complex manufacturing business
- Opportunity to shape end-to-end supply chain performance
- Exposure to specialist, high-profile production programmes
- A collaborative, engineering-focused culture
Supply Chain Manager in Essex employer: Pure Resourcing Solutions
Contact Detail:
Pure Resourcing Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local supply chain events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in procurement and materials planning.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled supply chain challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to influence across functions.
✨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 Supply Chain Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, materials planning, and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven commercial outcomes or improved supplier relationships in your previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like cost savings or improvements in delivery reliability. This helps us see the value you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Resourcing Solutions
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's supply chain processes and challenges. Research their products, suppliers, and any recent news related to their operations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed procurement, resolved supplier issues, or improved inventory management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since strong commercial and negotiation skills are crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your approach to negotiations. Prepare a few anecdotes that highlight your ability to secure favourable terms with suppliers while maintaining good relationships. This will illustrate your capability to drive cost and value outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Data-Driven Decision Making
As a Supply Chain Manager, you'll need to interpret data effectively. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and forecasts in previous roles to make informed decisions. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes, especially in fast-paced environments.