Supply Chain and Planning Manager in Cheltenham

We are looking for a Supply Chain and Planning Manager to own how Space AM buys, plans and builds.

You will take our UK and Europe supply chain from prototype volumes to repeatable production for defence customers, and make sure every build lands on time, on cost and to spec.

This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced scale-up.

You will set up the systems, suppliers and planning rhythm the business runs on, then grow them as we do.

The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role.

Because of the nature of our work, the successful candidate must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks before starting.

They must also be eligible for and willing to undergo UK Security Check (SC) clearance.

SC clearance normally requires at least five years' residency in the UK.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Supply chain**
Own end-to-end sourcing for our sensor systems, from electronics, PCBs and fine pitch assembly to mechanical parts, batteries and packaging.

Build and manage a resilient, sovereign UK supplier base, with approved second sources for critical parts.

Negotiate pricing, lead times and terms, and manage supplier performance on quality, delivery and cost.

Identify long lead and obsolescence risks early and put mitigation plans in place.

Make sure suppliers meet defence requirements, including export controls, security and flow down of contract terms.

Planning**
Run sales and operations planning, turning demos, trials and customer orders into a realistic build plan.

Set up and maintain our MRP or ERP, bills of materials and inventory control as we move from prototypes to production.

Plan capacity across our labs, contract manufacturers and test, and flag pinch points before they bite.

Track and report delivery against plan to the leadership team, with clear options when things slip.

Building the function**
Write the processes, templates and supplier standards the business will scale on.

Work closely with engineering on design for manufacture, cost and supply, from new product introduction onwards.

Support bids and funded projects with credible costings, lead times and delivery schedules.

Grow the team as volumes increase.

Essential**
At least 3 years in supply chain, procurement or production planning for hardware or electronics.

Experience in the defence sector, with a working knowledge of MOD procurement, DEFCONs, export controls (UK Strategic Export Controls, ITAR awareness) and supplier security.

A track record in a fast-paced scale-up or startup, taking a product from low volume builds to repeatable production.

Hands-on experience setting up or running MRP or ERP systems and managing bills of materials.

Confidence negotiating with suppliers and contract manufacturers, and holding them to account.

Strong planning and analytical skills, with the judgment to make good calls when information is incomplete.

Clear, direct communication with engineers, suppliers, customers and the leadership team.

Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to roll up your sleeves when the plan changes.

Desirable**
Experience with electronics supply chains, especially PCB fabrication and assembly, fine pitch BGA components and component shortages.

Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001 or JOSCAR.

Experience supporting space, ESA or other funded R&D programmes.

A CIPS or APICS qualification.

Experience planning the move from contract manufacture to in-house production.

The chance to work on cutting-edge sensing and communications technology used by the MOD, ESA and NATO partners. - A modern office with R&D labs, and real influence over products at an early stage in our growth