At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and procure aircraft parts to keep our fleet flying high.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a leading airline with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusivity in a workplace that values every individual.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team solving real-world challenges in aviation.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics or supply chain is a plus; problem-solving skills are key.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: The VHQ, Crawley in our OCC (Operations Control Centre)
Hours: Full Time, 4 on 4 off 07:00–19:00
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Tuesday, 29th September 2026
In a nutshell
Every aircraft in our fleet depends on thousands of parts being exactly where they need to be, exactly when they're needed. That's where you come in. As a Supply Chain Operations Planner, you'll help keep our operation moving by sourcing and procuring aircraft spares for live operational defects. Working alongside engineers and suppliers, you'll make smart decisions at pace, balancing cost, availability and lead times so our aircraft spend more time in the sky and less time on the ground.
No two days are the same. You'll solve operational challenges, build strong supplier relationships and become part of a close-knit team that plays a vital role behind every departure.
Day to day
- Work closely with multi stakeholders across the business from cabin tech ops, Tech services and front line and hangar engineers.
- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best commercial outcome while keeping operational priorities front of mind.
- Manage multiple requests at once, making confident decisions as priorities change.
- Occasionally support Aircraft on Ground (AOG) activity when urgent operational situations arise.
- Build trusted relationships with suppliers and colleagues across Engineering and the wider operation.
- Look for smarter, simpler ways of working while delivering a great service every day.
About you
You don't need to know every aircraft part number on day one – we'll help you learn that. What matters most is that you enjoy solving problems, thrive in a fast-paced operational environment and love bringing order to complexity. We're particularly interested in hearing from you if you have:
- Experience in aviation, logistics, procurement or supply chain.
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- The confidence to manage competing priorities and make informed decisions under pressure.
- Excellent organisation and communication skills.
- A curious mindset and a willingness to develop specialist technical knowledge.
- Airline experience is an advantage, but it's not essential.
If you've worked in an operational environment where teamwork, customer focus and quick thinking matter, we'd love to hear from you.
If this sounds like you, and you're ready to help keep one of the world's most loved airlines moving, we'd love to hear from you.
Be yourself – Our differences make us stronger
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive. So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong.
To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, (recruitment@fly.virgin.com) feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.
Supply Chain Operations Planner in Crawley employer: Virgin Atlantic
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Cargo Route Optimisation Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and innovation, all while working in the vibrant locations of London Heathrow or Crawley. With a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, we ensure that every team member feels valued and has the resources they need to succeed in their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Operations Planner in Crawley
✨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 Virgin Atlantic, 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 Operations Planner.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Operations Planner in Crawley
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 Virgin Atlantic. 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 Virgin Atlantic 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 Virgin Atlantic
✨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 Virgin Atlantic.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Virgin Atlantic
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Virgin Atlantic 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!
