Supplier Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager – Defence & Maritime Logistics

Location: Bristol / Hybrid Working On-site Requirement: Approximately 1 day per week Contract: Full-time Contract Start Date: 22 November 2026 End Date: 31 March 2027 Security Clearance: SC Cleared is desirable Level: Experienced Professional Sector: Defence / Maritime / Supply Chain & Logistics

The Opportunity

Match Performance is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to support a high-priority logistics and procurement programme within a major UK Defence organisation.

The role will focus on ensuring the timely procurement, management and delivery of critical maritime spares, helping maintain operational availability and resilience across essential Defence capabilities.

Working alongside key operational stakeholders and delivery partners, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing supply chain requirements, supplier performance, contractual obligations and operational risks.

This is an opportunity for an experienced supply chain professional to contribute to a strategically important programme where effective procurement, supplier management and logistics coordination are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain & Procurement Management

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Manage procurement and delivery activities to ensure timely fulfilment of critical maritime spares requirements.

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Coordinate supply chain demand and delivery schedules with internal stakeholders, suppliers and operational teams.

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Monitor the availability of critical stock items and identify potential supply constraints.

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Support effective prioritisation of urgent and business-critical requirements.

Contract & Supplier Management

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Oversee the performance and delivery obligations of a key maritime spares framework contract.

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Manage supplier relationships, delivery commitments and contractual performance.

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Identify supplier-related risks and implement appropriate mitigation actions.

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Work with commercial and procurement colleagues to resolve contractual or delivery issues.

Risk, Governance & Reporting

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Maintain accurate and auditable records of procurement requirements, orders, delivery status, risks and actions.

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Identify and manage supply chain risks that could affect operational availability.

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Produce clear performance reporting covering stock availability, supplier performance and delivery progress.

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Ensure documentation and reporting meet relevant governance and assurance requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

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Build effective working relationships with senior Defence stakeholders, operational teams and commercial partners.

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Coordinate priorities across multiple organisations and delivery functions.

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Communicate delivery challenges, emerging risks and recommended actions clearly.

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Support effective decision-making through timely and accurate management information.

Essential Experience & Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

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Proven experience in procurement, supply chain management or contract management.

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Experience managing complex supply chains, critical inventory or operationally important stock requirements.

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Strong supplier performance and contract management capabilities.

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Ability to manage competing priorities, delivery risks and supply constraints.

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Experience maintaining accurate records, performance reports and audit trails.

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Strong stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior operational and commercial stakeholders.

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Excellent planning, coordination, communication and problem-solving skills.

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Ability to work independently and take ownership of critical delivery activities.

Desirable Experience

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Previous experience within Defence, maritime, naval logistics or a similarly regulated environment.

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Experience managing framework contracts and specialist equipment or spares procurement.

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Understanding of inventory availability, supply chain resilience and operational support requirements.

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Familiarity with Defence procurement, logistics or commercial governance processes.

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Experience coordinating multiple suppliers and stakeholders in complex operational environments