Role: Materials Programme Manager

Location: West London (Hybrid)

Salary: Competitive

My client is seeking a skilled Material Planner to join their team in the Aerospace & Defence sector, contributing to cutting-edge programmes. In this role, you’ll lead material planning and subcontract strategies, manage programme budgets, and ensure timely delivery through effective collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams.

With opportunities to drive proposals, optimise material costs, and navigate challenges like obsolescence and long lead times, this role is perfect for a detail-oriented professional with expertise in MRP systems, Earned Value Management, and defence contracting.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Programme and Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement material programme plans and subcontract management strategies in collaboration with the Supply Chain team.
  
  
• Devise material strategies with a focus on aligning tactical actions to broader programme objectives.
  
  Material Planning and Execution:
  
  
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to establish project schedules based on Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
  
  
• Create accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) from the technical baseline and manage changes promptly during proposal processes.
  
  
• Develop material cost estimates and implement strategies to secure representative costs for proposals.
  
  Proposal and Risk Management:
  
  
• Lead planning activities for proposals, including drafting task descriptions and bases of estimates.
  
  
• Support bids by applying material strategies and providing accurate material inputs for Earned Value Management (EVM).
  
  
• Navigate challenges such as obsolescence, long lead times, and last-time buys to ensure programme schedules remain on track.
  
  Budget and Metrics Oversight:
  
  
• Monitor and manage material costs, ensuring alignment with programme budgets and forecasts.
  
  
• Apply decision-making expertise in make/buy/where analysis to optimise programme execution.
  
  
• Develop and track performance metrics, proactively addressing issues to meet programme and functional goals.
  
  Collaboration and Integration:
  
  
• Partner with supply chain teams for additional support as needed.
  
  
• Collaborate with subcontract managers to ensure complete and compliant Statements of Work (SOW).
  
  
• Lead in an Integrated Programme Team (IPT) environment to convert business and customer requirements into actionable strategies.
  
  Essential Skills/Qualifications:
  
  
• Experience in the Aerospace & Defence industry.
  
  
• Eligibility for SC clearance.
  
  
• Ideally a degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  
  
• Combined expertise in Planning, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, or Project Management.
  
  Preferred Qualifications:
  
  
• CIPS or APM qualification is advantageous.
  
  
• Strong planning and ERP/MRP system expertise, with proficiency in Microsoft Project.
  
  
• Proven experience in budget management and EAC input/review.
  
  
• Familiarity with defence contracting and electronics/aerospace hardware applications.
  
  
• Knowledge of operational processes such as assembly, integration, and testing.
  
  
• Experience navigating complex programme requirements and managing risks effectively.
  
  Benefits:
  
  Flexible working hours, including a 9-day fortnight option and early Friday finishes.
  
  Hybrid
  
  25 days holiday + BH + Buy and Sell
  
  Annual bonus
  
  Casual dress
  
  Private healthcare, dental, and critical illness cover available via salary sacrifice
  
  Life cover at 4x annual salary
  
  Competitive Pension Scheme
  
  Reward hub discounts at over 200 stores.
  
  Christmas shutdown