Commodity Manager

Martin-Baker Aircraft Co Ltd; Denham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension package

Life Assurance

Early finish Friday

Training plan

Annual leave 25 days

Additional leave

Health team

Cycle to work

Job summary

Martin-Baker Aircraft Co Ltd in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Commodity Manager to take strategic ownership of a portfolio spanning precision machining, mechanical products, surface treatments and raw materials.

You will develop supplier capability, manage significant supply risks and influence manufacturing decisions from early in the product lifecycle, onsite at Denham with hybrid options after six months. Travel to supplier sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing category/commodity strategies in aerospace or similar.
• Ability to balance cost, quality and delivery with supplier performance.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and technical data packs.

Responsibilities

• Develop commodity strategies covering machining, materials and finishes.
• Lead supplier negotiations and cross-functional sourcing efforts.
• Manage supply-chain risk and supplier performance with key partners.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations and Quality on sourcing decisions.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers aligned with company strategy.
• Support supplier reviews and quarterly business reviews.

Skills

Commodity strategy

Supplier relations

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Engineering knowledge

Job description

Our supply chain supports highly engineered products where quality, reliability and performance matter. We’re looking for an experienced Commodity Manager to take strategic ownership of a portfolio spanning precision machining, mechanical products, surface treatments, C-Class components and raw materials.

This is much more than a traditional purchasing role. You’ll develop and deliver commodity strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, technical capability, capacity and supply-chain risk, while working closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality and Programmes to make sourcing decisions that support both current operations and future requirements.

Direct Impact, Global Scale. Life-Saving Mission.

At Martin-Baker, the work we do matters. We design, manufacture and support life‑savings equipment used by aircrew around the world. Our products operate in demanding environments, where quality, reliability and attention to detail are critical.

We’re proud of our long history in aerospace and defence, also focused on the future. Joining Martin-Baker means becoming part of a business with a clear purpose, strong engineering capability and a long‑term commitment to its people, products and customers.

Whether you work in engineering, operations, commercial, finance, supply chain or support functions, your contribution helps deliver equipment that protects lives. It is challenging work, but it is also meaningful, and with over 7800 lives saved, it gives our people the opportunity to be part of something with real impact.

The Opportunity

Taking ownership of commodity strategy, you’ll help determine where and how key mechanical components, materials and supplies are sourced, develop supplier capability, manage significant supply risks and influence manufacturing and sourcing decisions from an early stage in the product lifecycle.

This role is based onsite working from Denham; hybrid options can be discussed after six months. You’ll be required to travel to supplier sites as needed.

What You’ll Do

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and maintaining commodity strategies covering mechanical products, machining, surface treatments and raw materials, considering cost drivers, market capacity, lead times, quality, sustainability, obsolescence and continuity of supply.
• Leading the commercial and supply‑chain input into supplier decisions, considering capability, capacity, tooling, investment, lead time, quality risk and total cost.
• Managing supply‑chain risk, including exposure to sole‑source suppliers, constrained processing capacity, long lead times, material availability, sub‑tier dependencies and obsolescence.
• Working directly with key suppliers at senior and operational levels to improve cost, quality and delivery performance and resolve significant technical, commercial or schedule issues.
• Leading major supplier negotiations and supporting the development and implementation of significant supply‑chain contracts.
• Identifying, qualifying and developing new suppliers in line with company strategy.
• Supporting and participating in supplier Quarterly Business Reviews.
• Leading cross‑functional sourcing, capability‑development and supply‑risk activities.

What We’re Looking For

We’re interested in someone who combines commercial procurement expertise with credible engineering and manufacturing knowledge.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Knowledge relevant to precision machining, mechanical products, treatment specialists and raw materials. Commercial and supply‑chain experience within these commodities, with evidence of developing and implementing category or commodity strategies.
• Awareness of PESTLE factors and how these impact commodity management activities.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and their associated cost drivers, including CNC machining, fabrication, forging, casting, heat treatment, surface treatment, material conversion and testing.
• Experience in a regulated, complex manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace, defence, automotive, energy or a comparable engineering sector.
• A strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, competitive tendering, contract management and supplier performance management.
• The ability to understand engineering drawings, geometric tolerancing, material/process specifications, bills of material and technical data packs.
• Experience analysing supplier quotations, cost breakdowns, commodity indices, market trends, capacity information and supplier performance.
• Experience managing sole‑source, single‑source or capacity‑constrained suppliers, particularly where qualification, tooling, IP, certification, cost or lead time make changing supplier difficult.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, presentation and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Share and demonstrate the Martin‑Baker values.

Our Values

At Martin‑Baker, we value professionalism, understanding, teamwork, humility, accountability and integrity. We look for people who take pride in their work, collaborate openly and act with care because the work we do matters.

What We Offer

• Excellent pension package with strong employer support — Martin‑Baker contributes 9% of your salary (non‑contributory to the employee), with further employer contributions that grow as you increase your own
• Life Assurance
• Lunchtime finish on a Friday
• Personalised training and development plan
• 25‑days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Occupational Health team
• Cycle to work scheme

We believe in equal opportunity, committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected. We want you to be able to do your best work.

Martin‑Baker is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, showing our support and commitment to our Armed Forces and their families, proudly supporting those who serve.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). For more information and guidance please visit https://martin-baker.com/security-vetting

The role also involves access to information governed by U.S. Export Control Laws (including ITAR); therefore, all applicants must satisfy ITAR eligibility requirements.