Supply Chain Manager - Defence Sector

ZipRecruiter; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outsourcing company in the UK is seeking a Supply Chain Manager in Portsmouth to oversee diverse supply chain operations. The role requires strong contract management experience, excellent communication skills, and leadership in procurement activities, while offering a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in complex contract environments.
• Experience in commercial and contract management.
• Ability to prioritize and work flexibly across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse supply chain for government furnished assets.
• Lead procurement activities and manage the contractual lifecycle.
• Engage with stakeholders for commercial support.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Job description

Job Description

Supply Chain Manager – Operations, Finance, Asset – Defence Sector
Permanent – SC Level position
£70,000 + Large Company Benefits
Portsmouth, Gosport, Hants – 3 days on-site, 2 days WFH

One of the UK’s largest and most progressive commercial outsourcing companies to the Government, Defence, Public and Commercial sectors is seeking a Supply Chain Manager, Commercial Supply Chain Manager with experience across Operational, Programme/Finance Workstreams, and the management of all matters related to Equipment and Assets.

The individual will either hold or be able to work towards SC Level and will be on site 3 days a week at defence establishments in Portsmouth and Gosport, with 2 days WFH.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Effective management of a diverse and growing Supply Chain, including a varied Training Equipment Estate of Government Furnished Assets.
• Assist the Senior Commercial Manager (Training Support) across key areas: managing Business As Usual supplier activity for strategically important Supply Chain Partners, some with contracts circa £20m/year, including obligations, change management, and contract conformance.
• Manage Business As Usual activities for Training Equipment support and maintenance Suppliers, some with contracts circa £1m/year.
• Provide Commercial input to operational workstreams (including IT and Equipment & Asset Management) and support supply chain management of smaller Suppliers.
• Lead procurement activities supporting the Equipment function, including ongoing change activities in the RNSTC programme.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, providing commercial support across operational, programme, and finance workstreams.
• Manage the contractual lifecycle, from proposal development to implementation, amendments, and new supplier onboarding.
• Collaborate with management teams and suppliers to resolve commercial issues pragmatically.
• Build relationships with Customer and Supplier Commercial Teams.
• Manage obligations, assumptions, dependencies, and support supplier onboarding and performance reviews.
• Ensure contractual documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
• Support change management, risk/opportunity identification, and legislative compliance.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in complex contract environments with excellent communication skills.
• Experience in commercial and contract management, including drafting subcontracts.
• Strong commercial acumen and leadership in procurement activities.
• Collaborative team player with influencing skills and pragmatic problem-solving abilities.
• Resilient, positive, and able to manage conflicts effectively.
• Analytical with the ability to use data for decision-making.
• Ability to prioritize and work flexibly across multiple sites and working from home.