Supply Chain Manager

Sloane Helicopters; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to oversee its procurement and logistics operations. The ideal candidate will bring at least 5 years of experience in aviation supply chain management, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and optimizing inventory practices. This role involves strategic planning to align with operational goals, fostering supplier relations, and managing team performance to meet organizational targets.

Qualifications

• Experience in Supply Chain, Purchasing & Logistics.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement function and supplier selection.
• Optimize inventory management to minimize excess stock.
• Lead logistics planning and compliance with aviation standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Project management skills

Leadership abilities

Communication skills

Education

Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain management

Knowledge of aviation regulations and standards

Experience with ERP systems

Tools

SAP

Oracle

AMOS

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Supply Chain Manager to oversee purchasing and supply chain operations. This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end supply chain process including procurement, inventory management, logistics, vendor relations, and compliance with aviation industry standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace supply chain management, with a focus on safety, cost-effectiveness, and on-time performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with the company’s operational goals and regulatory requirements (CAA, EASA, FAA etc.).
• Oversee procurement function for all areas of the business in accordance with written procedures and statutory requirements.
• Manage supplier selection, negotiation, and performance monitoring to ensure quality, delivery, and cost-efficiency.
• Optimize inventory management practices to ensure availability of critical components while minimizing excess and obsolete stock.
• Ensure compliance with export/import regulations, hazardous materials handling, and aviation safety standards.
• Lead logistics planning, ensure correct identification and traceability of aircraft parts, including storage and release of parts to our maintenance hangars and third-party customers.
• To ensure approved procedures and documentation are complied with in the acceptance of parts and components from external suppliers (including customers and contractors)
• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply chain efficiency, such as lead time, fill rate, and cost savings.
• To ensure procedures are followed for the management and control of defective components returned to suppliers under warranty and to manage SHL/OEM warranty accounts.
• To ensure procedures are in place to monitor, evaluate and implement changes to the correct Min and Max stock levels.
• Implement supply chain risk management strategies, including contingency planning for parts shortages and supply disruptions.
• Ensure shipping and freight charges are captured and passed on to customers or suppliers as appropriate.
• Import and Export control including compliance with HM Revenue and Customs legislation.
• To prioritise and react to genuine demands and order requests from both internal and external customers.
• To provide various reports relating to stock value, stock turnover, slow moving stock and supplier performance etc.
• Maintenance forecast for spares, attending planning meetings
• Short term planning and scheduling of team workload and daily allocation of tasks to direct reports.
• Monitor individual performance against given objectives.
• Carry out periodic staff appraisals with direct reports.
• Deliver team objectives to time cost and quality criteria

Qualifications:

• Experience in Supply Chain, Purchasing & Logistics,
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain management within the aviation or aerospace sector.
• Knowledge of aviation regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, AS9120).
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or AMOS.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Working Conditions:

• Office-based with visits to suppliers when required.

Training and Development:

Identify and action the training needs of yourself and your team(s).

Maintain your knowledge of the company’s portfolio of services and procedures.

Relationship Management:

• Build positive relationships with customers and suppliers and resolve problems.
• Work closely with all internal teams, promoting good relations and team working.

General

• At all times work in a way that demonstrates the Company’s goal of. Being open and honest, easy to do business with and in providing excellence in all our services.
• Always communicate fully any situation that may affect the ability of your team to achieve your targets.
• Maintain high standards in terms of personal appearance, conduct and respect of company property.
• You may on occasion be required to carry out duties of a different nature either in addition to, or instead of, your normal duties.