Strategic Supply Chain Commercial Leader - Defence

First Military Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

First Military Recruitment is recruiting a Commercial Manager for a client in Reading, Berkshire. The role leads commercial strategy for supply chain decisions and oversees procurement and supplier relationships to optimise value for money.

The position requires 5–7 years in supply chain/procurement within GMP-regulated industries such as defence or aerospace, plus strong negotiation and ERP experience. DV clearance is preferred; site-based work in Reading, with a competitive day rate.

Qualifications

• Experience in supply chain or procurement (5-7 years).
• GMP experience in manufacturing industries (aerospace, automotive or defence).
• Experience in high regulated industries (public sector, defence or aerospace).
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• ERP system experience.
• Background managing suppliers and contract deliveries.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers.
• Ability to take control and prioritise during often time sensitive and competing responsibilities.
• Maintain compliance and policy as a commercial function.
• MS Office skills.
• Current DV Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial strategy and solutions.
• Act as the supply chain management commercial lead in all investment planning decisions.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders through early involvement and initiative-taking engagement.
• Develop the pipeline of activity and coordinate with the wider SCM teams.
• Conduct early market engagement to understand capacity and capability.
• Maintain a register of forecast/secured business improvements.
• Act as the senior interface for all commercial supply chain matters and escalations.
• Seek synergies and alignment to maximise value for money.
• Identify risk and work with the business to mitigate it.
• Ensure category strategies are embedded in the business.
• Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate new policies, procedures and strategy to key stakeholders.
• Align commercial and business units to drive demand planning and prioritisation.
• Advise on key commercial matters and coordinate cross-department priorities.
• Foster cross-functional capabilities for optimal commercial outcomes.
• Coordinate end-to-end supply chain post procurement.
• Drive continuous improvement with suppliers and supply chain.
• Manage supplier performance and negotiate long-term contracts.
• Ensure compliance to regulations and quality standards (GMP).
• Maintain ERP systems to a high standard.
• Collaborate with Operations Manager and production teams to meet timelines and quality.

Skills

Supply chain management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

ERP experience

Supplier management

MS Office skills

GMP experience

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

First Military Recruitment is recruiting a Commercial Manager for a client in Reading, Berkshire. The role leads commercial strategy for supply chain decisions and oversees procurement and supplier relationships to optimise value for money.

The position requires 5–7 years in supply chain/procurement within GMP-regulated industries such as defence or aerospace, plus strong negotiation and ERP experience. DV clearance is preferred; site-based work in Reading, with a competitive day rate.