Supply Chain Team Lead

Collins Aerospace; Kilkeel; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland, is seeking a Supply Chain Team Lead to supervise and mentor the Procurement team, ensuring timely supply to Production and cross‑functional alignment with Logistics, Engineering and Programmes.

The ideal candidate combines deep supply chain expertise with leadership skills, capable of guiding priorities, addressing shortages and driving continuous improvement in a fast‑moving operational setting.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in supply chain environments.
• Experience resolving critical shortages and complex supply issues.
• Ability to work across Procurement, Logistics, Engineering and Production.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support the Procurement team to ensure timely supply of parts to Production.
• Provide day-to-day direction across procurement activities and priorities.
• Identify, monitor and drive critical supply shortages and issues to resolution.
• Support the Tactical Team by prioritising critical supply challenges.
• Work with Program Buyers, Logistics and Engineering to protect production continuity.
• Analyse supply and demand information to identify risks and actions.
• Provide reporting on shortages, risks and recovery plans.
• Coach and develop team members within procurement.

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Procurement management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

HNC/HND or above

Job description

Location: Kilkeel, Northern Ireland

Working arrangement: On-site, 5 days per week

Lead the team that keeps production moving At Collins Aerospace, supply chain is at the heart of our operation. When materials move effectively, production moves, customer commitments are protected, and our teams can deliver.

Date Posted: 2026-09-25
Country: United Kingdom
Location: Kilkeel, Newry, Mourne and Down
Position Role Type: Onsite
Supply Chain Team Lead
Location: Kilkeel, Northern Ireland
Working arrangement: On-site, 5 days per week
Lead the team that keeps production moving At Collins Aerospace, supply chain is at the heart of our operation. When materials move effectively, production moves, customer commitments are protected, and our teams can deliver. We are looking for an experienced Supply Chain Team Lead to join our team in Kilkeel. This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong supply chain knowledge with the ability to guide, develop and support others. You will supervise and support our Procurement team, helping them navigate day‑to‑day priorities, tackle critical shortages and resolve complex supply challenges. Working across Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, Programmes and Production, you will play a key role in maintaining continuity of supply and ensuring the business has the parts it needs, when it needs them. If you enjoy solving problems, bringing clarity to competing priorities and helping a team perform at its best, this could be an excellent next step.

What You Will Do

As our Supply Chain Team Lead, you will:

• Lead, supervise and support the Procurement team to ensure the timely and effective supply of parts to Production.
• Provide day-to-day direction, guidance and support across procurement activities and priorities.
• Identify, monitor and drive critical supply shortages and issues through to resolution.
• Support the Tactical Team by establishing priorities and providing guidance on critical supply challenges.
• Work closely with Program Buyers, Logistics, Engineering and other business functions to resolve issues and protect production continuity.
• Analyse supply and demand information to identify emerging risks and take appropriate action before they impact the operation.
• Provide clear reporting on critical shortages, supply risks, recovery plans and actions to key stakeholders.
• Support production meetings and wider supply chain reviews, ensuring issues, priorities and actions are clearly understood.
• Identify opportunities to improve, simplify and standardise supply chain processes.
• Coach, train and share knowledge across the Procurement team, helping colleagues develop their capability and confidence.
• Support the Supply Chain Manager with key activities and provide cover when required.
• Ensure activities are completed in accordance with company processes, procedures, EHS and 5S requirements.

What You Will Bring

We are looking for someone who can combine strong supply chain expertise with practical people leadership.

You will need either:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a comparable role, demonstrating in‑depth supply chain experience;

or

• A relevant third‑level qualification, such as HNC/HND or above, combined with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a comparable role, demonstrating in‑depth supply chain experience.

In addition, you will have:

• Demonstrable experience of solving and resolving complex supply chain problems.
• The ability to work effectively across different functions and build strong working relationships.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to raise difficult issues and provide clear direction when priorities compete.
• A results‑focused approach and the ability to maintain momentum in a fast‑moving operational environment.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to build trust and support the development of others.
• The ability to look beyond today’s shortage or supply issue and identify opportunities to strengthen future performance.

It Would Be Great If You Also Have

• CIPS accreditation, are currently working towards CIPS, or hold an equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience mentoring, coaching or training others within your discipline.
• Experience leading projects or improvement initiatives that have delivered significant business impact.
• Achievement of CORE Apprentice.

Why Join Collins Aerospace?

At RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference by solving some of the world’s most complex challenges. Through our market‑leading businesses, world‑class operations and investment in research and development, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. Our people, expertise and technologies help customers around the world meet the demands of an evolving global market. In Kilkeel, you will have the opportunity to take on a visible supply chain leadership role where your decisions and your team's performance have a direct impact on production, delivery and our customers. This position is based on‑site in Kilkeel, five days per week. If you are an experienced supply chain professional ready to lead a team, tackle complex challenges and help keep a major aerospace operation moving.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.