Strategic Supply Chain Manager - 1222

Thorlabs; Ely; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in optical technologies is seeking a Strategic Supply Chain Manager to optimize material flow in a complex manufacturing operation. This role involves leading teams in purchasing, planning, and quality control, ensuring on-time delivery and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation and strategic analysis skills, along with a solid background in supply chain management within the electronics industry. The position offers competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

In-house training

Free parking

Refreshments

Entertainment area

Contributed Pension

Group Life Cover

Private Healthcare

Income Protection

Qualifications

• Previous supply chain management experience in electronics or similar.
• Experience in Supplier quality development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement supply chain strategies connecting teams.
• Negotiate contracts and monitor supplier performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic data analysis

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Degree in relevant field

MCIPS or equivalent

Tools

ERP software

MS Office

Job description

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What is the job?

This pivotal role is both strategic and tactical, driving the optimisation of material flow across the entire supply chain for a complex electro-mechanical manufacturing operation. As the leader of the Purchasing, Planning, and Supplier Quality Engineering teams, the Strategic Supply Chain Manager ensures seamless supply, demand management, quality control, and on-time delivery within the Motion Control Business Unit.

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We design and manufacture a range of innovative photonics products used in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. With 22 facilities worldwide in 9 countries, our Ely site is responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, in Ely. Accessible via train and bus links from London, near Ely train and bus stations.

Requirements

What is essential to us...

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in relevant field
• MCIPS or other recognised supply chain management qualification
• Previous supply chain management experience, preferably in electronics or similar scientific manufacturing industry
• Experience in Supplier quality development and working with suppliers to meet quality standards
• Negotiation skills to secure favourable terms and resolve conflicts
• Strategic data analysis skills to draw actionable insights
• Commercial mindset focused on financial impact
• Strong knowledge of PPAP & FMEA
• Experience in APQP is beneficial
• Understanding of Lean principles and coaching suppliers in their implementation (e.g., SMED, PFEP, EPEI, pull)
• Strong organisation and project management skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in ERP software (e.g., Microsoft D365) and MS Office

Key Responsibilities - Functional (80%)

• Design and implement supply chain strategies connecting Purchasing, Planning, and SQE teams
• Lead SQE efforts to embed best practices, eliminate waste, reduce defects, and ensure on-time delivery
• Negotiate contracts, monitor supplier performance, develop vendor base for new products and technologies
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, especially for key product lines and OEM customers
• Use ERP capacity planning, apply PDCA for root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Manage stock during obsolescence projects, minimise write-offs
• Audit standard work procedures, apply problem-solving tools (5 Whys, Ishikawa)
• Create dashboards for decision support

Leadership (up to 20%)

• Ensure safety and compliance with PPE and safe systems
• Support continuous improvement initiatives
• Motivate team, conduct appraisals and 1-to-1s
• Communicate goals, assist with hiring and training
• Develop strategies for regulation adherence
• Conduct return-to-work interviews, manage disciplinary actions
• Oversee health & safety, risk assessments, and fire safety procedures

What will you get?

Opportunities for in-house training, free parking, refreshments, and an entertainment area in the canteen.

And the benefits are?

Competitive salary, pension, healthcare, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1222

This is a rolling campaign; early applications are encouraged. We welcome applicants over 18. Internal candidates should inform their managers.

Benefits

• Contributed Pension, Group Life Cover, Private Healthcare, Income Protection, and more

Apply via the button or send your CV, cover letter, and salary expectations to: Human Resources, Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX, or email [e-mail].

Applicants must have valid UK work permission, with documentation required during recruitment.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• IT Services and IT Consulting