Senior Supply Chain Manager in South East

Oaklands Global is currently recruiting a Senior Supply Chain Manager on behalf of a rapidly expanding, forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing organisation.

The successful candidate will take ownership of day-to-day supply chain operations, developing and managing a centrally vetted and approved supplier network to support the organisation’s expanding factory and franchise operations across the UK & Europe.

This is a full-time, fully onsite position, Monday to Friday.

Please note, the exact job title is to be confirmed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day procurement and material readiness, prioritising purchasing activities, resolving material shortages and ensuring supply is aligned with production schedules and operational requirements.
• Take ownership of supplier delivery performance, confirming orders, monitoring delivery milestones, expediting critical or at-risk materials and proactively resolving delays to prevent disruption to production or customer commitments.
• Coordinate the procurement of aerospace-grade raw materials, tooling, components and outsourced processes, including heat treatment, anodising, plating and coating.
• Ensure all purchase orders accurately incorporate the relevant technical and quality requirements, including drawings, revisions, specifications, quality clauses, certifications and traceability obligations.
• Develop and strengthen the approved supplier base, including subcontract manufacturing partners, identifying gaps in capability, capacity and geographical coverage, reducing single-source dependencies and qualifying new suppliers in collaboration with Supplier Quality.

Requirements

Essential

Experience & Background

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in supply chain, purchasing or materials management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing supplier relationships, material shortages and competing production demands.
• Strong understanding of supplier performance management and wider supply chain challenges.
• Experience within the aerospace or automotive industry would be advantageous.
• Previous experience leading or managing a supply chain team is beneficial.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to interpret manufacturing drawings and material specifications.
• Understanding of outsourced processes and technical purchase order requirements.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100/EN9100 or equivalent quality management systems.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and supplier performance monitoring tools.
• Ability to assess supplier capability, capacity and delivery performance.

Key Competencies

• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Practical leadership skills with the ability to make effective decisions.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive supplier relationships.
• Strong collaboration skills, working effectively with regional teams and stakeholders to maintain consistent supply chain standards.

Desirable

• CIPS qualification or a relevant professional qualification.
• Experience within the defence sector or precision CNC machining environment.
• Experience in strategic supplier relationship management and commercial spend negotiations.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, special processes and NADCAP requirements.
• Exposure to AS9120, DFARS, ITAR or EAR regulatory requirements.

Why work with Oaklands Global?

We are the world’s leading aviation and aerospace recruitment and executive search firm, trusted by the most respected names in the industry to deliver results with integrity, discretion, and excellence.

With over 50 years of combined experience, we don’t just fill roles, we shape careers and give our clients a competitive talent advantage. We take immense pride in the quality of our searches and are committed to representing only the very best candidates to the very best businesses.

At Oaklands Global, every application is handled with the utmost professionalism and complete confidentiality. If this opportunity interests you, please apply in confidence to Siobhan Miller.  Whether or not your profile is shortlisted, you will hear from us, because we believe in treating every candidate with respect and care.

We’re not just here to help you land your next role. We are here to elevate your career.