Supply Chain Lead

Our client is an ambitious and rapidly growing advanced manufacturing business transforming the way high-precision components are produced and delivered. Through a combination of innovative technology, modern manufacturing techniques and a growing production footprint, they support some of the world's most demanding industries, where quality, reliability and on-time delivery are critical.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a hands-on Supply Chain Lead to take ownership of procurement, material planning, supplier performance and purchasing operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is not a purely strategic role. You'll be deeply involved in day-to-day supply chain execution, working closely with Production, Planning, Engineering and Quality teams to ensure materials, components and external services are available when needed.

You'll play a key role in building scalable supply chain processes while helping a growing business maintain operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily purchasing and material planning activities, ensuring production requirements are met.
• Manage supplier performance, delivery schedules and recovery plans for at-risk materials.
• Resolve shortages, bottlenecks and supply chain issues before they impact customer delivery.
• Develop and strengthen supplier relationships, identifying new sources and expanding supply chain capability.
• Coordinate procurement of raw materials, components, tooling and subcontract manufacturing services.
• Ensure technical specifications, quality requirements, certifications and traceability requirements are correctly communicated to suppliers.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier commitments and order status within ERP/MRP systems.
• Work closely with operational stakeholders to improve inventory visibility, forecasting and planning routines.
• Monitor supplier KPIs including on-time delivery, quality performance and cost management.
• Help build robust procurement processes, supplier networks and scalable supply chain practices.
• Support supplier negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives and continuity-of-supply planning.
• Mentor and support procurement team members as the business continues to grow.

Experience Required

• Minimum 5 years' experience within Supply Chain, Procurement, Materials Management or Purchasing in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing suppliers, purchasing priorities and material delivery challenges.
• Strong understanding of technical purchasing requirements, manufacturing drawings and material specifications.
• Experience working within quality-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of supplier approvals, certification management and material traceability.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and supply chain planning tools.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within aerospace, defence, automotive, precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, electronics or similarly regulated industries.
• Exposure to outsourced manufacturing processes and specialist supply chain services.
• Experience developing supplier networks and onboarding new suppliers.
• Previous experience leading, coaching or mentoring procurement teams.
• Professional qualifications such as CIPS, APICS/ASCM, CPSM or equivalent.

What We're Looking For

• Someone who takes ownership and delivers outcomes.
• A proactive individual who identifies issues before they become problems.
• A supply chain professional who understands the impact procurement decisions have on manufacturing operations.
• A practical leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and working closely with the factory floor.
• Someone who thrives in a growing business and enjoys building processes, teams and supplier capability.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing, technology-led manufacturing business.
• High level of visibility and responsibility.
• Genuine opportunity to influence how the supply chain function develops.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
• Excellent long-term career growth potential.