At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise our supply chain in a cutting-edge RF manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Steatite, a leader in advanced technology solutions for demanding environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension plans, and profit-sharing opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply chain management in a tech-driven industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management within regulated manufacturing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Security Clearance: This role is subject to successful completion of SC clearance prior to commencement. Please review our Security Clearance Guidance for Applicants before applying.
About Us
At Steatite, we design, manufacture, and supply advanced technology solutions — from industrial embedded computing and custom lithium battery packs to secure communications, antennas, and imaging systems. Our innovations operate in some of the world's most demanding environments. From the ocean floor to the edge of space, Steatite technology ensures critical systems perform reliably, consistently, and safely — 24/7. Whether enabling scientific discovery in extreme conditions, transmitting high‐bandwidth data across challenging terrain, processing vast volumes of traffic data, or supporting secure transactions on the move, our solutions are built to perform when it matters most. From day one, you will be part of an organisation that prioritises your safety and wellbeing, values your contribution, and is committed to making your career both rewarding and impactful.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Supply Chain Manager to lead, optimise, and future‐prove our end‐to‐end supply chain within a highly specialised RF manufacturing environment. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring material availability, supplier performance, cost control, and operational excellence across a low‐volume, high‐complexity manufacturing operation. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will develop and execute supply chain strategies that support business growth, customer delivery requirements, and operational capability. Our business designs and manufactures bespoke RF components, assemblies, and sub‐systems for customers operating in the defence, aerospace, communications, and advanced technology sectors. As we continue to scale our operations and strengthen our delivery performance, you will play a critical role in building a resilient, agile, and high‐performing supply chain function.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Supply Chain Leadership
- Develop and implement a supply chain strategy aligned with business objectives, customer requirements, and future growth plans.
- Lead procurement, planning, logistics, and materials management activities across the full product lifecycle.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve cost competitiveness.
- Supplier Management & Sourcing
- Build and maintain strong relationships with specialist suppliers across RF, electronics, machining, PCB assembly, and precision engineering sectors.
- Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to enhance capability, capacity, and supply chain resilience.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and service levels to secure best value and minimise supply risk.
- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Operational Planning & Materials Control
- Oversee demand planning, MRP activities, and inventory optimisation to support on‐time delivery performance.
- Ensure robust configuration control and full traceability of materials and components.
- Work closely with engineering and production teams to manage long lead‐time items, prototype builds, and design‐for‐manufacture considerations.
- Logistics & Compliance
- Manage inbound and outbound logistics activities, including export controls, customs documentation, and compliance requirements.
- Ensure adherence to relevant quality, regulatory, and environmental standards, including ISO9001, AS9100, RoHS, and REACH.
- Leadership & Cross‐Functional Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and commercial teams to support successful project delivery.
- Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership on supply chain performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives.
Skills & Experience
We're looking for a supply chain professional who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence and has experience working within a technically complex manufacturing environment. You will ideally have:
- Proven experience in a Supply Chain Manager or senior supply chain leadership role within RF, electronics, aerospace, defence, or a similarly regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of low‐volume, high‐complexity engineering and manufacturing supply chains.
- Demonstrable experience in supplier development, strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and performance management.
- Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and the ability to use data to drive decision‐making and continuous improvement.
- Understanding of export controls, ITAR/EAR considerations, and other regulated industry requirements.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.
- Degree qualification in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- CIPS qualification or working towards accreditation would be advantageous.
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to shape and lead the supply chain function within a growing, technology‐driven manufacturing business operating at the forefront of RF engineering. You will have the autonomy to influence strategy, develop supplier partnerships, and drive meaningful improvements that directly impact business performance and customer success. Working alongside a highly skilled engineering and leadership team, you'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of complex, bespoke solutions used in some of the world's most demanding defence, aerospace, communications, and advanced technology applications.
Benefits For You
- EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- 26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays + More For Length of Service
- Pensions Plan
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Profit Share Scheme
- All Employee Share Plan
We are an equal opportunity employer fostering an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates.
Supply Chain Manager employer: Steatite Ltd
At Steatite, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values your safety, wellbeing, and professional growth. Our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and continuous improvement, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, technology-driven environment. With competitive benefits, including a profit share scheme and generous annual leave, joining our team means contributing to cutting-edge solutions in defence and aerospace while enjoying a rewarding career.
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 Steatite Ltd, 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 Steatite Ltd. 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 Steatite Ltd 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 Steatite Ltd
✨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 Steatite Ltd.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Steatite Ltd
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Steatite Ltd 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!
