Supply Chain Team Leader

Location: West Sussex

Working collaboratively with Suppliers, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, & Programme Management, the Supply Chain Team Leader operates within a matrix environment, providing leadership & coordination across Integrated Portfolio Teams (IPTs). The Supply Chain Team Leader will be responsible for executing the supply chain strategy & delivering supplier performance to support business objectives & achieve key operational & financial KPIs

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead & develop a team of Buyers to deliver the Supply Chain vision, strategy, policies, processes, & procedures, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

* Translate the Supply Chain strategy into clear, measurable SMART objectives, driving individual & team accountability for achieving functional & business KPIs.

* Deliver improvements in supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, & working capital, supporting operational excellence & business growth.

* Build & maintain effective supplier & cross-functional relationships to ensure continuity of supply, resolve issues, & support programme delivery.

* Proactively identify, manage, & mitigate supply chain risks, escalating issues where appropriate & implementing effective recovery plans.

* Resolve day-to-day operational issues using a quality-focused, data-driven approach, communicating impacts, risks, & resolution plans to key stakeholders in a timely manner.

* Provide effective leadership, coaching, mentoring, & development to direct reports, fostering a high-performing, engaged team focused on continuous improvement & value creation.

* Manage individual & team performance through regular objective setting, performance reviews, feedback, & development planning, addressing performance issues where required.

* Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supply chain efficiency, resilience, compliance, & overall business performance.

* Ensure all procurement & supply chain activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, governance requirements, regulatory standards, & ethical sourcing practices.

* Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, & continuous improvement across the Supply Chain function & Integrated Portfolio Teams (IPTs).

Skills & Experience Essential

* Experience:

Proven experience in a supply chain, procurement, or purchasing leadership role within a manufacturing or engineering environment.

* Leadership:
Demonstrated experience leading, coaching & developing high-performing teams.

* Business & Financial Acumen:
Strong understanding of supply chain management principles, including supplier performance management, strategic sourcing, inventory management & working capital optimisation.

* Supplier Relationship Management:

Experience of managing supplier relationships and driving improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and service.

* Communication & Influencing

Skills:

Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence & collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams at all organisational levels.

Desirable

* Professional certification such as CIPS or a relatable degree

* Experience in manufacturing, defence, or industrial sectors.

* Experience with supplier risk management & sustainability initiatives.

* Experience of working within integrated project management teams

* CIPS Level 4 or above

Work life balance:

* 37.5 hour working week, Lunchtime finishes on a Friday

* Hybrid / flexible working arrangements

* 28 days annual leave, Christmas closure, Holiday purchasing scheme

Benefits:

* Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%

* Income protection scheme & Employee Assistance Programme

* Employee Assistance Programme gives you & your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service & physiotherapy consultations

* Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling & probate helpline

* Company shares incentive plan & save as you earn scheme

Security Clearance Requirements:

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history & right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years