Supply Chain Lead

3 days onsite, 2 from home in Cheltenham

We’re supporting a growing defence engineering organisation delivering complex, mission-critical systems across the UK and internationally. As part of continued programme demand, they’re looking to appoint a Supply Chain Lead to take ownership of supplier performance, procurement strategy, and programme delivery support.

This is a role where you’ll move beyond transactional buying, playing a key part in shaping supplier relationships, driving commercial outcomes, and ensuring materials and services are delivered in line with programme needs.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading supply chain activity across key programmes, ensuring delivery, cost, and quality targets are met
• Identifying and onboarding suppliers for specialist engineering products and services
• Managing end-to-end procurement activities including tendering, negotiation, and contract placement
• Building strong supplier relationships and driving performance improvements
• Monitoring supply risks (e.g. obsolescence, delays) and implementing mitigation strategies
• Supporting forecasting, scheduling, and inventory planning
• Working closely with engineering and programme teams to align supply chain activity with project requirements

What we’re looking for

• Experience within a supply chain, procurement, or subcontract management role
• Strong background in supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Understanding of supply chain operations within engineering, manufacturing, or defence environments
• Ability to contribute to bids, proposals, or programme planning activities
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of contracts and supplier agreements
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Nice to have

• Experience in defence, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries
• Exposure to complex or multi-site programmes

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