Supplier Development Manager

Arguile; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Arguile is seeking an experienced Supplier Development & Cost Manager in Glasgow to support a Global Combat Ships programme. This hybrid role focuses on driving supplier capability and operational excellence.

You'll lead activities across programs, manage high-risk suppliers, and execute cost reduction initiatives while influencing stakeholders. Strong Supplier Development experience is required, alongside a degree and Lean Six Sigma certification. This opportunity offers genuine autonomy and a chance to shape future naval capabilities.

Qualifications

• Strong Supplier Development and/or Manufacturing background, ideally in a leadership capacity.
• Proven experience with supplier performance management tools including Lean, Six Sigma, APQP, etc.
• Experience delivering strategic cost management and improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Supplier Development activities across all programmes.
• Drive interventions with high-risk suppliers to improve capability.
• Lead and execute strategic cost reduction initiatives.

Skills

Supplier Development

Cost Management

Stakeholder Management

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Degree qualified

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

Supplier Performance Management Tools

Job description

Glasgow – Scotstoun (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)

We’re supporting a leading defence and engineering organisation in the search for an experienced Supplier Development & Cost Manager to join a major Global Combat Ships programme.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity operating across an international supply chain, focused on driving supplier capability, operational excellence, and strategic cost management across a multi‑billion‑pound naval programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Supplier Development activities across all programmes to improve alignment and efficiency
• Drive interventions with high-risk suppliers to improve capability, capacity, and programme delivery
• Lead and execute strategic cost reduction initiatives to improve cash flow, reduce risk, and deliver measurable savings
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships to encourage collaboration and innovation across the enterprise
• Influence senior stakeholders and embed continuous improvement best practices across the supply chain

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong Supplier Development and/or Manufacturing background, ideally in a leadership capacity
• Degree qualified and/or Lean Six Sigma certified (minimum Green Belt – Black Belt advantageous)
• Proven experience with supplier performance management tools including Lean, Six Sigma, APQP, Capability & Capacity Assessments, NPI, etc.
• Experience delivering strategic cost management and improvement initiatives
• Strong stakeholder management and cross‑functional leadership capability

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of a complex international programme, partnering with global suppliers and senior stakeholders to shape the future of naval capability.

You’ll join a fast‑paced environment where you’ll have genuine autonomy, enterprise‑wide influence, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a strategically important programme.