Supply Chain Lead

Supply Chain Lead (Defence / Aerospace)
Cheltenham (hybrid: 3 days per week on-site)

A UK-based defence and aerospace organisation is hiring a Supply Chain Lead to support mission-critical programmes in a complex, highly regulated environment. This is a senior, hands-on role where you’ll protect commercial and financial interests while building a resilient supply chain that delivers against demanding customer requirements.

The role
You’ll lead supply chain activity across multiple programmes, shaping procurement and supplier strategies and ensuring delivery, cost, quality and risk targets are met. The position spans supplier identification, tendering/negotiation, subcontract management, and ongoing supplier performance and relationship management.

Key responsibilities

• Provide senior supply chain support across programmes, aligning supply chain plans to business and customer needs
• Identify and onboard suitable suppliers for programme goods and services
• Lead negotiation and tendering strategies to secure best value and on-time delivery
• Own supplier performance management (cost, quality, delivery, issue resolution)
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and stakeholder engagement
• Monitor and mitigate supply chain risks (including obsolescence and supply disruption), escalating where needed
• Track/report supplier metrics (OTD, quality, risk and performance indicators)

Essential experience

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in supply chain, logistics or a related discipline
• Proven experience within a supply chain function in a complex environment
• Strong background in subcontract negotiation and subcontract management
• Experience reviewing and contributing to proposals
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Good understanding of supply chain operations and continuous improvement
• Working knowledge of contract/subcontract law and principles

Desirable

• Experience in defence, engineering, or high-technology/complex project environments
• Experience supporting internationally deployed projects / programmes

Security / eligibility

• UK citizenship is required
• Must be able to gain and maintain SC (Security Check) clearance

Working pattern and benefits

• Hybrid working (3 days/week on-site)
• Optional compressed fortnight (every other Friday off by working a small additional time each day)
• Private healthcare and cash health plan
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Career development programmes
• Performance-related bonus