Supply Chain Lead

Copello Global; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence engineering organization in Cheltenham is seeking a Supply Chain Lead to own supplier performance and procurement strategy. The role involves leading supply chain activities, managing procurement processes, and building strong supplier relationships to drive performance improvements. Candidates should have experience in supply chain management and supplier negotiation, preferably within defence or engineering sectors. The position allows for a hybrid work model with three days onsite and two from home.

Qualifications

• Experience in supply chain, procurement, or subcontract management.
• Strong background in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
• Understanding of supply chain operations in engineering or defence.

Responsibilities

• Lead supply chain activity to meet delivery, cost, and quality targets.
• Manage end-to-end procurement including tendering and contract placement.
• Build supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.

Skills

Supplier negotiation

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Job description

3 days onsite, 2 from home in Cheltenham

We’re supporting a growing defence engineering organisation delivering complex, mission-critical systems across the UK and internationally. As part of continued programme demand, they’re looking to appoint a Supply Chain Lead to take ownership of supplier performance, procurement strategy, and programme delivery support.

This is a role where you’ll move beyond transactional buying, playing a key part in shaping supplier relationships, driving commercial outcomes, and ensuring materials and services are delivered in line with programme needs.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading supply chain activity across key programmes, ensuring delivery, cost, and quality targets are met
• Identifying and onboarding suppliers for specialist engineering products and services
• Managing end-to-end procurement activities including tendering, negotiation, and contract placement
• Building strong supplier relationships and driving performance improvements
• Monitoring supply risks (e.g. obsolescence, delays) and implementing mitigation strategies
• Supporting forecasting, scheduling, and inventory planning
• Working closely with engineering and programme teams to align supply chain activity with project requirements

What we’re looking for

• Experience within a supply chain, procurement, or subcontract management role
• Strong background in supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Understanding of supply chain operations within engineering, manufacturing, or defence environments
• Ability to contribute to bids, proposals, or programme planning activities
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of contracts and supplier agreements
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Nice to have

• Experience in defence, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries
• Exposure to complex or multi-site programmes