Supply Chain Lead

JR United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Supply Chain Lead to oversee procurement activities at their Watford site. This role encompasses negotiating contracts, managing relationships with suppliers, and ensuring the timely availability of materials. Join a supportive team dedicated to personal development and work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Work/life balance

Ongoing personal development

Pension and life assurance

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Mental health support

Gym discounts

Nutritional and eye care advice

Free financial advice

EV salary sacrifice car scheme

Qualifications

• Previous buying experience in manufacturing is essential.
• Knowledge of supply chain management and procurement strategies.
• Familiarity with supplier evaluation and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the purchasing function to meet delivery, quality, and cost targets.
• Negotiate and monitor contracts and ensure compliance with procurement policies.
• Train and mentor the Supply Chain Coordinator.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Inventory control

Data manipulation

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

MS Office

Order/invoice systems

Job description

Supply Chain Lead, Watford, Hertfordshire

Belcan is hiring a Supply Chain Lead on a permanent basis for our site in Cheltenham – GL51 8LX.

Office based from Monday to Thursday, with a half day on Friday. 39 hours a week.

Our Cheltenham team delivers build-to-print test equipment, cable harnessing and assembly, as well as bespoke builds and market-leading life-cycle approaches to test systems.

We also support our London colleagues who provide multi-disciplinary design engineering, multi-vendor systems delivery, operational technology (OT) cyber security, and technical safety compliance.

Job Purpose:

To manage the purchasing function to meet delivery, quality, and cost targets. This includes sourcing and purchasing materials, components, and services required for production.

Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and maintain good relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable pricing and terms.

Key Duties:

• Negotiate and monitor contracts, checking the quality of services throughout the supply chain.
• Negotiate with suppliers for better prices and terms.
• Source alternative supply options, new products, and savings opportunities.
• Create and update Bills of Material.
• Raise and issue purchase orders (PO).
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure adequate stock levels.
• Analyze market trends for competitive pricing.
• Update and maintain purchasing records and data.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Train and mentor the Supply Chain Coordinator (no line management duties).
• Manage Non-Conformance & CAPA processes.
• Research to find the best products and suppliers in terms of value, delivery, and quality.
• Identify and onboard potential suppliers, conduct supplier audits, and build strong relationships.
• Support engineering to bring projects within purchasing budget.
• Assist with quoting activities and project management support.
• Plan supply chain milestones and forward workload planning.

Experience and Skills – Essential:

• Previous buying experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of supply chain management and procurement strategies.
• Proficiency in MS Office, order/invoice systems, and data manipulation.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Inventory control experience.
• Familiarity with supplier evaluation and performance management.

Experience and Skills – Desirable:

• Electronics buying experience.
• Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience conducting supplier audits.

What’s in it for you:

We offer a competitive salary, work/life balance, ongoing personal development, pension, life assurance, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, mental health support, gym discounts, virtual classes, nutritional and eye care advice, free financial advice, and an EV salary sacrifice car scheme. Join a supportive team committed to your growth.

If interested, apply today via the link. Our internal recruiters will contact you to discuss the role further.

About Us:

Belcan, part of Cognizant, is a global leader in technical services and engineering consultancy, serving aerospace, defence, marine, nuclear, automotive, and cyber security industries.