Head of Supply Chain

Head of Supply Chain
- Swindon- up to £125,000

Copello are partnering with a rapidly growing aerospace and defence technology organisation to find an experienced Head of Supply Chain to lead procurement, production planning, supplier development, and end-to-end supply chain operations during a significant period of growth and manufacturing expansion.

If you are currently feeling complacent and want a challenge with a really exciting defence sme- this is the job for you!

Reporting into the Director of Industrial Operations, you will take ownership of the entire product supply chain, ensuring the business can successfully ramp production while maintaining quality, resilience, cost efficiency, and delivery performance.

You’ll play a pivotal role in building supplier partnerships, developing sourcing strategies, improving planning processes, and establishing a robust supply chain capable of supporting high-volume manufacturing in a regulated defence environment.

• Lead procurement and strategic sourcing activities across direct materials and production requirements
• Drive supplier selection, qualification, development, and performance management
• Oversee production planning, inventory management, and S&OP alignment
• Develop and implement supply chain strategies to support manufacturing growth
• Negotiate commercial agreements and long-term supplier partnerships
• Build supply chain resilience through risk mitigation, dual sourcing, and supplier development initiatives
• Establish efficient logistics, warehousing, and material flow processes
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across procurement, planning, logistics, and supplier management
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Programme teams

• Significant leadership experience within supply chain, procurement, or operations in a complex manufacturing environment
• Proven experience scaling or transforming supply chains during periods of growth
• Strong knowledge of procurement, supplier development, production planning, and inventory management
• Experience working within highly regulated sectors such as aerospace, defence, automotive, advanced engineering, electronics, or medical devices
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain best practices
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance