Head of Supply Chain

Our Client are an internationally renowned engineering business, who are enjoying continued growth across many departments. They are now seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain to join and lead an established team.

The Head of Supply Chain will lead the implementation, and monitoring of the supply chain strategy for the company's UK and Isle of Man operations. The role is pivotal in aligning sourcing requirements and ensuring supplier compliance with regulations and industry standards, all in accordance with the business objectives and supply chain strategies. In addition to strategic oversight, the Head of Supply Chain will cultivate strong relationships both internally and externally, fostering collaboration across the supply chain and within the aerospace industry at large. Wider responsibilities include:

• Responsible for all aspects of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) within the department
  
  
• Own, manage, and implement supply chain sourcing and commercial solutions from supplier selection, tendering process, commercial and contract negotiation through to contract award, implementation, and order placement
  
  
• Implement supplier and commodity strategies that drive sustainable improvements in overall supply chain performance
  
  
• Conduct supplier assessments, development, and ensure compliance with government regulations, industrial standards, export control, and ITAR requirements
  
  
• Control procurement costs and identify opportunities for savings
  
  
• Deliver a sourcing project portfolio aligned with relevant sourcing plans and business metrics (e.g., return on investment, savings, schedule)
  
  
• Ensure a commercial and supplier compliance framework that achieves cost competitiveness, cost avoidance, value improvement, and sustainable procurement
  
  
• Resolve commercial and compliance issues within the supply chain
  
  
• Manage the delivery flow of parts and services, communicating issues to manufacturing cells
  
  
• Drive continuous improvement in supply chain management processes and resolve internal and external supply chain issues
  
  
• Manage and develop supplier relationships and partnerships, establishing optimal production and supply schedules to meet customer demand efficiently
  
  
• Lead site supply chain cost reduction initiatives while ensuring procurement costs are controlled
  
  
• Achieve site supply chain KPI targets and oversee the performance of the site supply chain team
  
  
• Champion internal and external audits related to supply chain
  
  
• Ensure compliance with company policies, government regulations, industrial standards, logistics customs requirements, and customer requirements within supply chain
  
  
• Participate in operations meetings, providing real-time updates to operations teams
  
  
• Maintain strong working relationships and collaborate closely with key stakeholders to execute program and sourcing requirements successfully.Lead sourcing engagement with internal and external stakeholders from project kick-off through contract implementation, ensuring high customer satisfaction and savings results
  
  
• Support the business development and programme team in identifying potential new opportunities requiring supply chain engagement
  
  
• Establish early supplier involvement to achieve development performance goals, support project timelines, and manage product costs
  
  
• Develop innovative solutions to rationalise the supplier base, identifying preferred sources of supply and introducing new sources where applicable
  
  
• Gather market intelligence and trends for commodities, identifying risks and opportunities, and work with stakeholders to mitigate strategic risks
  
  The ideal candidate for the role of Head of Supply Chain will be:
  
  

• Degree qualified or have relevant professional certification within Supply Chain Management (CIPS) or relevant recent substantive experience
  
  
• Extensive commodity management and supplier relationship management experience
  
  
• A proven track records and experience of on timely meeting targets & tight deadlines
  
  
• Minimum 10 years' hands-on experience with a proven track record in supply chain management, sourcing, inventory management, and supplier relationship management in a manufacturing environment
  
  
• Strong working knowledge and hands on experience of how to use ERP
  
  
• Hands on experience in commercial and contract negotiation
  
  
• Experience of managing and developing team performance
  
  
• Very good understanding & knowledge of legal aspects of procurement contracts
  
  
• Extensive knowledge of structured, high value negotiation practices, contract formation and terms and conditions
  
  
• Strong commercial acumen, coupled with strong negotiation, interpersonal, influencing & problem- solving skills
  
  
• Excellent verbal & written communication and presentation skills at all levels
  
  
• Excellent numerical reasoning and analytical skills
  
  
• Understanding of supply chain management, business operations & processes within a manufacturing environment
  
  
• Financially astute
  
  
• Awareness of Aerospace standards & regulations
  
  
• Understand green supply chain requirements and good practices