Supply Chain Manager
Essex
£60,000 - £65,000
The opportunity
A specialist engineering and manufacturing organisation operating in a
complex, project-led production environment is seeking a
Supply Chain Manager to lead sourcing, materials planning and inbound supply activities across multiple programmes.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring materials, components and services are available to support demanding build schedules, while also driving strong commercial outcomes and long-term supplier performance. You’ll operate at both a strategic and operational level, working closely with production, engineering, programme management and finance to keep delivery on track.
Key responsibilities- Develop and execute an effective supply chain strategy aligned to business and programme requirements
- Lead procurement activity including sourcing, supplier evaluation, commercial negotiation and contract placement
- Build and maintain robust supplier relationships to improve cost control, delivery reliability and quality performance
- Identify supply chain risks early and put mitigation plans in place, including alternative sourcing and capacity planning
- Oversee materials planning and scheduling to ensure continuity of supply into manufacturing
- Manage MRP processes, ensuring accuracy of demand signals, lead times and inventory parameters
- Coordinate closely with production and engineering teams to manage changes, priorities and build requirements
- Drive effective inventory management, balancing availability with working capital and space constraints
- Take ownership of inbound logistics and material flow from supplier through to point of use
- Monitor supplier KPIs, resolve issues proactively and drive continuous improvement
- Maintain integrity of ERP/MRP data relating to pricing, lead times, stock and supplier information
- Provide clear reporting on supply status, risks, costs and performance metrics
- Champion efficiency improvements across supply chain processes, systems and ways of working
About you
You will be an experienced Supply Chain Manager or Senior Supply Chain professional with a background in manufacturing or complex engineering environments.
You are likely to bring:
- Proven experience across procurement, materials planning and supplier management
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills with demonstrable cost and value outcomes
- Solid understanding of MRP/ERP systems, inventory control and production-led planning
- Experience working in low-volume, high-variation or build-to-order manufacturing settings
- The ability to interpret data and forecasts to support confident decision-making
- A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to influence across functions
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
- Formal qualifications in supply chain, procurement or engineering (e.g. CIPS, APICS/CPIM) are advantageous, though practical experience is highly valued.
Why apply?
- A senior, influential role within a technically complex manufacturing business
- Opportunity to shape end-to-end supply chain performance
- Exposure to specialist, high-profile production programmes
- A collaborative, engineering-focused culture