The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for planning, developing, and executing end-to-end supply chain strategies to support the manufacture and delivery of aerospace products. This role ensures continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and high-quality standards across a global supplier network. The successful candidate will lead supplier performance, manage risk in long and complex supply chains, and collaborate cross-functionally to meet program, customer, and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with business, program, and customer requirements.
- Manage demand planning, capacity planning, and material forecasting for complex, long-lead aerospace components.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, resilience, and scalability of the supply chain.
- Support new product introduction (NPI), ramp-ups, and lifecycle management of aerospace programs.
Supplier Management & Procurement
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, and onboarding in accordance with AS9100 and company standards.
- Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships, including contract negotiation, performance reviews, and risk mitigation plans.
- Monitor supplier delivery, quality, cost, and compliance performance using KPIs and scorecards.
- Collaborate with suppliers to address capacity constraints, quality escapes, and supply disruptions.
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure full compliance with aerospace regulations and standards, including AS9100, FAA/EASA requirements, ITAR, FAR/DFARS, and export controls.
- Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve non-conformances, corrective actions, and audit findings.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including single-source dependencies, geopolitical exposure, and obsolescence.
- Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits as required.
Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to align supply chain activities with production schedules and program milestones.
- Manage inventory levels to balance cost, availability, and production continuity.
- Oversee logistics, warehousing, and transportation strategies to ensure on-time delivery to internal and external customers.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop supply chain and procurement professionals.
- Set clear objectives, performance metrics, and development plans for the team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
- Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., APICS CSCP/CPIM, CIPS) preferred.
Experience
- 7-10+ years of progressive supply chain or procurement experience, preferably within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience managing complex, global supply chains with long lead times and high-quality requirements.
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, performance management, and risk mitigation.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of aerospace supply chain requirements, including quality systems and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Advanced negotiation and contract management capabilities.
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and supply chain planning tools.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time delivery and schedule adherence
- Supplier quality and defect rates
- Inventory turns and working capital optimization
- Cost reduction and value improvement initiatives
- Supply chain risk reduction and continuity of supply
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
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