Supplier Development Manager

Runcorn
8 Pembroke Court
Manor Park
Runcorn, CH WA7 1TG
, G

Heroux-Devtek, the world’s 3rd largest producer of landing gear, serves the civil and military aerospace markets from production facilities in North America and Europe. The Company’s longevity, flexibility, and track record for the development and implementation of innovative production systems have distinguished it as a leader in the domain. With its most recent acquisitions, Heroux-Devtek is bolstering its status as one of the foremost landing gear, actuation and hydraulic system designers and manufacturers in the global aerospace industry.

Located in Runcorn, United Kingdom, our newly extended 120,000 sq. ft. facility is a fully integrated site offering comprehensive manufacturing, repair, and overhaul services to the major players in the landing gear industry. Designated as a Center of Excellence, the facility specializes in surface treatment and assembly of small to medium sized landing gear systems.

Are you ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualified and would relish the opportunity to be part of an employee focused and highly reputable company, where you can truly make your mark on the future of the business? If so, continue reading to find out more about this key role which has plenty of scope for career progression.

The Supplier Development Manager oversees supplier performance, drives continuous improvement, and ensures suppliers meet quality, cost, and delivery standards while supporting new product development and strategic supply chain goals.

• Lead effective execution of supplier evaluation, qualification, and issue resolution activities (RCA).
• Lead Rate Readiness Reviews and collaborate with suppliers to implement if needed Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), ensuring on-time Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions and supplier readiness.
• Conduct supplier audits, assess capabilities, and implement corrective actions to improve quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Manage supplier relationships, and drive strategic partnerships to enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain to align supplier strategies with business objectives.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, identify risks, and develop mitigation strategies to maintain a robust and competitive supply base.
• Support new product introductions (NPI), part transfers and scalable manufacturing by ensuring suppliers meet technical and operational requirements.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and capacity decisions at both functional and program levels.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degrees such as an MBA are often preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in supplier development, procurement, supply chain management, or manufacturing engineering.
• Certifications such as APICS, CIPS, ISO, TS, CPIM, ASQ, or QMS are advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of supplier quality systems, supply chain principles, and performance improvement methodologies.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for building and maintaining supplier relationships.
• Analytical skills to interpret supplier performance data and implement improvement strategies.
• Leadership and mentorship capabilities to guide teams and develop supplier capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and supplier management software.
• Willingness to travel for supplier audits, assessments, and relationship management.

• Ability to analyze and prioritize tasks, adapt to changing circumstances, and consistently achieve results.
• Strong collaboration and partnership-building skills across internal teams and external suppliers.
• Innovation-oriented mindset to identify process improvements and adopt new technologies.
• Capacity to manage supplier risk, sustainability initiatives, and supplier diversity programs.
• This role is critical for ensuring that suppliers are capable, compliant, and strategically…