Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Global Supplier Management Director, the Supplier Development Manager will lead the core supplier capability and development activity directly aligned to commodity strategies and program growth trajectories within the Civil business line of GKN Aerospace.

The SDM will engage with key stakeholders and plan, oversee and execute a programme of supplier rate capability to ensure the supplier base has sufficient capability and capacity to meet the requirements of the business growth.

The SDM will utilise GKN Rate Capability assessment tools as well as industry best practice to assess, evaluate and develop the core capability and capacity of the supplier base and will align those capabilities to future program requirements ultimately delivering a network of suppliers ready and able to meet the standards and demands of GKN and our customers.

Job Responsibilities

Own and deliver Future Rate Capability strategy for the commodity/program supplier base Engage and build relationships with key stakeholders including procurement leadership, program management and commodity management Assess overall supplier landscape and evaluating capability and capacity to meet future program requirements Deploy industry best practice to develop suppliers to point of maturity, including value stream mapping, LEAN manufacturing, practical problem solving and APQP Engage with potential future suppliers to evaluate opportunities for growth through an objective assessment of capability Advise and input into commodity strategy and supplier selection processes based on objective supplier assessments Deliver a rate capable supply chain to operational colleagues in support of ramp up profiles

What you'll bring

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

Essential:

Supplier Development experience in high reliability/safety critical industries LEAN Manufacturing experience Practical Problem Solving experience (8D, RCA, PDCA, CI, Kaizen, LEAN etc) Strong experience in complex, global value chain

Desirable:

Strong understanding of procurement and/or program management Engineering, Project Management, Quality or Procurement professional accreditation (CIPS, CEng, CQI etc) Lead auditor qualification History and knowledge of either Electrical, Composite or Metal Machining processes

We are looking for a highly organized individual with the ability to prioritise tasks and maintain efficiency in the face of challenging and changing work environments. Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and presentation abilities, are essential. Additionally, a flexible approach to work is crucial for success in this role. GKN Aerospace is a truly global business both in terms of internal operations and our external supply chain and as such the right candidate can expect to travel frequently both domestically and internationally.

What We'll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

Competitive salary dependant on experience Opportunity to earn up to 15 %bonus  Car allowance Hybrid working – giving you the opportunity to balance home and office working Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis Life Assurance 8 x salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays Income protection Shopping discounts Cycle To Work Scheme Employee Assistance Programme A collaborative, dynamic working environment 

As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you! 

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​
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