Supply Chain Team Leader

Supply Chain Team Leader

Location: West Sussex
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000
Working pattern: Hybrid / flexible
Sector: Engineering / Manufacturing

We’re working exclusively with a well-established engineering-led organisation to recruit a Supply Chain Team Leader to join their growing Supply Chain function.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced supply chain or procurement professional who is ready to take the next step in their leadership career, combining people leadership, supplier management, commercial delivery and continuous improvement.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring a resilient, high-performing supply chain, working closely with suppliers and internal teams across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Programme Management.

The Role

As Supply Chain Team Leader, you’ll lead a team of Buyers and help translate the wider supply chain strategy into measurable operational results.

You’ll be responsible for driving supplier performance, developing your team and ensuring the supply chain continues to support business, programme and financial objectives.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Leading, coaching and developing a team of Buyers, creating a high-performing and accountable team culture.
• Setting clear objectives and KPIs aligned to wider business and supply chain goals.
• Driving supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery and service.
• Building strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Identifying and managing supply chain risks, implementing effective mitigation and recovery plans.
• Supporting continuity of supply across key programmes and operational requirements.
• Using data and performance information to identify issues, make decisions and drive improvement.
• Leading initiatives to improve supply chain efficiency, resilience and commercial performance.
• Supporting cost reduction, inventory optimisation and working capital improvements.
• Ensuring procurement and supply chain activity is carried out in line with appropriate governance, policies and regulatory requirements.
• Working collaboratively across cross-functional and integrated project teams to resolve issues and deliver business priorities.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone with proven experience in a supply chain, procurement or purchasing leadership role, ideally within an engineering, manufacturing or similarly complex environment.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Previous experience leading, coaching and developing a procurement or supply chain team.
• Strong knowledge of supplier performance management, strategic sourcing and supply chain principles.
• Experience managing suppliers across cost, quality and delivery.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness, including an understanding of inventory and working capital.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• A structured, analytical and data-driven approach to problem solving.
• Experience managing competing priorities and delivering against measurable KPIs.
• A genuine focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Good working knowledge of ERP systems and strong Excel capability.

Desirable

• CIPS qualification, ideally Level 4 or above, or a relevant degree.
• Experience within engineering, manufacturing, defence or another highly regulated/technical environment.
• Experience of supplier risk management and/or sustainability.
• Experience working within integrated project or programme teams.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a chance to join an established organisation at an important point in its development, taking ownership of supplier performance and team leadership within a complex supply chain environment.

You’ll have the opportunity to make a visible commercial and operational impact, develop a team and work closely with senior stakeholders across the wider business.

The role offers a competitive salary of £50,000-£55,000, alongside a comprehensive package and flexible working arrangements.

Interested?

If you’re an experienced Supply Chain, Procurement or Purchasing professional looking for a leadership role where you can genuinely influence performance, develop people and drive change, we’d be keen to hear from you.

Apply now or contact us for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.

Please note: due to the nature of the organisation and the work undertaken, successful applicants will be required to meet relevant UK security clearance and residency requirements.