Supply Chain Manager

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to enhance supplier networks and ensure operational efficiency. This role involves strategic supplier management, sourcing, and team leadership, requiring strong commercial awareness and exceptional negotiation skills. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in procurement and a proven ability to foster long-term supplier partnerships.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in procurement or supplier selection.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience in cost modelling.
• Proven ability to build long-term supplier partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a supply base for business growth.
• Research and onboard new suppliers with due diligence.
• Lead commercial discussions on pricing and terms.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier selection

Commercial awareness

Risk assessment

Stock management

Communication

Job description

Overview

Supply Chain Manager

We are looking for an experienced Supply Chain Manager to take a lead role in shaping and strengthening our supplier network, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and alignment with business priorities. This individual will be central to identifying new sourcing opportunities, developing long-term supplier partnerships, and ensuring the continuous flow of materials and services required to support business operations. Working cross-functionally across commercial, engineering, delivery, and quality teams, the Supply Chain Manager will ensure supply chain activities meet operational requirements, drive cost-effectiveness, and support the organisation’s broader growth strategy.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Supplier Management – Build and maintain a supply base capable of meeting current needs and supporting future business growth.
• Supplier Sourcing & Onboarding – Research, assess, and introduce new suppliers, carrying out due diligence checks, site visits, and qualification processes.
• Tendering & Evaluation – Develop assessment frameworks to compare supplier bids on cost, risk, service, and scalability.
• Contracting & Negotiation – Lead commercial discussions on pricing, service levels, and contractual terms, working closely with the commercial function.
• Supplier Transition – Support transitions from in-house manufacturing to third-party partners, ensuring quality and service continuity.
• Collaboration – Work closely with project and service delivery teams to coordinate material availability and allocation.
• Performance Monitoring – Oversee supplier KPIs, conduct audits with the Quality function, and implement improvement actions.
• Warehouse & Inventory Oversight – Manage goods-in processes, inspections, returns (RMAs), and ensure accurate stock levels to support project and service commitments.
• Process Development – Take ownership of procurement processes including purchase orders, receipts, and supplier documentation.
• Innovation & Feedback – Provide insight into supplier developments and technology roadmaps to inform business planning.
• Team Leadership – Line manage and develop staff as the department scales to meet increasing demand.
• General – Undertake additional duties that support the efficient running of supply chain operations.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Significant experience in procurement, supplier selection, or outsourced manufacturing management.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience in cost modelling and risk assessment.
• Understanding of quality frameworks, ISO standards, and supplier audit processes.
• Proven ability to build long-term supplier partnerships and manage complex negotiations.
• Experience in stock management, goods-in control, and materials planning.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Personal Attributes

• Analytical thinker – able to evaluate data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Commercially focused – balances cost, quality, and service to deliver value.
• Adaptable – comfortable with change and able to adjust to shifting priorities.
• Proactive and hands-on – willing to engage directly with challenges and drive solutions.
• Collaborative – works well across functions and builds strong working relationships.
• Driven – committed to personal and organisational growth.