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