Supply Chain Manager

IO Associates; Harwell; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IO Associates in Harwell is seeking a Supply Chain & Procurement Manager to lead the UK function. Reporting to the Operations Director, you’ll manage a small Buying team while shaping the long-term supply chain strategy, supplier network and operating model.

The role suits a background in electronics manufacturing or tech-led engineering, with strong strategic procurement experience and a track record of delivering cost, risk and performance improvements across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Significant Supply Chain, Procurement or Strategic Sourcing experience in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, space or tech.
• Experience leading and developing procurement or supply chain teams.
• Strong strategic sourcing, supplier management and commercial negotiation skills.
• Experience managing supplier performance, risk and inventory.
• Proven delivery of supply chain strategy, process improvement or transformation.

Responsibilities

• Own the UK 3–5 year Supply Chain Strategy and transformation roadmap.
• Lead and develop the Procurement and Buying team.
• Develop sourcing, supplier management and commercial strategies.
• Strengthen supplier resilience, risk management and continuity planning.
• Improve supply chain processes, ERP, inventory and data visibility.
• Drive cost reduction, supplier performance and value creation across the business.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Procurement Leadership

Supplier Management

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Data & KPI reporting

Operations & Strategy

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Supply Chain Manager

Posted on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026

Supply Chain & Procurement Manager

Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire

Employment Type: Permanent

Working Model: Hybrid – 4 days onsite

Salary: £70,000–£75,000 Per Annum + Benefits

About the Client

Our client is a global space technology business operating across satellites, robotics, geointelligence and space exploration, with a growing UK presence.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a Supply Chain & Procurement Manager to lead the UK function. Reporting to the Operations Director, you’ll manage a small Buying team while shaping the long-term supply chain strategy, supplier network, commercial approach and operating model.

The ideal background is electronics manufacturing or technology-led engineering, combined with strong strategic procurement experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the UK 3–5 year Supply Chain Strategy and transformation roadmap.
• Lead and develop the Procurement and Buying team.
• Develop sourcing, supplier management and commercial strategies.
• Strengthen supplier resilience, risk management and continuity planning.
• Improve supply chain processes, ERP, inventory and data visibility.
• Drive cost reduction, supplier performance and value creation across the business.

Key Deliverables

• Establish a clear baseline of supply chain performance and risk.
• Implement KPIs, supplier segmentation and performance management.
• Develop the UK 3–5 year Supply Chain Strategy.
• Create the Supply Chain Transformation Roadmap.
• Deliver measurable improvements in supplier performance, procurement, inventory, visibility and risk.

Required Experience

• Significant Supply Chain, Procurement or Strategic Sourcing experience in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, space or technology.
• Experience leading and developing procurement or supply chain teams.
• Strong strategic sourcing, supplier management and commercial negotiation skills.
• Experience managing supplier performance, risk and inventory.
• Proven delivery of supply chain strategy, process improvement or transformation.
• Experience with ERP/MRP, supply chain data and KPI reporting.
• Strong commercial, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.

If you’re a strategic Supply Chain or Procurement professional looking to shape a growing space and technology supply chain, I’d be keen to hear from you.