Supplier Development Manager

Electus Recruitment; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector seeks a Supplier Development Manager to enhance supplier performance. This hybrid role involves working on key projects that support national security. Candidates should possess a degree and experience in high-tech fields, aiming to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Bonus up to £2,500

14% total pension contribution

Up to 15 days flexi leave

Enhanced parental leave

Paid overtime opportunities

Excellent facilities including subsidised meals

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Degree-level supply chain professional with experience in high-tech environments.
• Familiarity with DMAIC and lean methodologies.
• Strong track record in supplier development.

Responsibilities

• Drive supplier performance improvements using lean tools.
• Conduct capacity audits to identify bottlenecks.
• Manage supplier relationships and mitigate risks.

Skills

Supplier development

Lean principles

Process flow analysis

Risk management

Education

Degree-level qualification in supply chain

Job description

Shape the Future of Defence Supply Chains Are you a supply chain professional ready to make a real impact? This organisation is increasing delivery across key defence programmes and is looking for a Supplier Development Manager to join their Sub-Assemblies team. Based in either Bolton or Stevenage, this hybrid role offers the chance to work on high-profile projects that support national security.
Your Mission You’ll be at the heart of supplier performance and capability management, ensuring delivery and quality standards are met across a diverse portfolio. This is a hands-on role where your expertise will directly influence programme success.

• Drive supplier performance improvements using lean tools and methodologies
• Conduct capacity audits and sub-tier mapping to identify bottlenecks
• Manage supplier relationships and mitigate risks across multiple programmes
• Analyse current and future state capabilities to support delivery planning
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Deliver concise executive summaries and support supply chain excellence initiatives

What You’ll Bring We’re looking for a degree-level supply chain professional with experience in high-tech, international environments — ideally within aerospace, defence, or manufacturing. You’ll need:

• A strong track record in supplier development and performance improvement
• Familiarity with DMAIC, lean principles, and process flow analysis
• Confidence in managing complex supplier relationships and risk profiles
• The ability to assess and influence supplier capability and readiness

Why This Role? This is more than a job — it’s a career with purpose. You’ll be part of a team that supports the Armed Forces and contributes to national defence. In return, you’ll receive:

• Salary circa £50,000, depending on experience
• Annual bonus up to £2,500, based on company performance
• 14% total pension contribution (employer and employee)
• Up to 15 days flexi leave
• Enhanced parental leave and support for fertility and neonatal care
• Paid overtime opportunities
• Excellent facilities, including subsidised meals and free parking
• Ongoing training and development to support your career growth

Where You’ll Work You’ll be based at either the Bolton or Stevenage site, with hybrid working (2 days per week on-site). A relocation package may be available for the right candidate.

This is a permanent role.

Electus Recruitment Solutions provides specialist engineering and technical recruitment solutions to a number of high technology industries. We thank you for your interest in this vacancy. If you do not hear from us within seven working days, please presume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. You are of course free to resubmit your CV or details in the future, and we shall assess your suitability at that time.

Due to the nature of work undertaken at our client's site, incumbents of these positions are required to meet special nationality rules and therefore these vacancies are only open to British Citizens.