Eclectic Recruitment Ltd (on behalf of Client)
Job Description
An exceptional opening has emerged for a Supplier Development Manager to become a part of an expanding Sub-Assemblies unit within the Industrial Policy, Supply Chain, and Procurement (ISP) division.
This position is vital for supporting the acceleration of essential deliveries and will be central to securing supplier performance, capability, and risk oversight across a varied and changing portfolio. Operating across multiple technologies and programs, the chosen applicant will spearhead supplier interaction, evaluate capacity, and propel enhancements in performance.
Key Responsibilities:
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Secure supplier capability and output through proactive development, continuous refinement, and risk reduction strategies.
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Direct capacity evaluations to pinpoint bottlenecks, analyze risks within sub-tier levels, and generate holistic views of industrial capability.
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Oversee a collection of suppliers, providing reports on risks and performance to broader project units.
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Create and confirm lead time assessments and process workflows to satisfy upcoming distribution needs.
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Utilize structured problem-solving instruments (such as DMAIC) and lean strategies to boost supplier results in delivery and quality.
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Provide concise executive reports and play a role in broader departmental advancement programs.
The successful candidate will have:
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Professional history in supplier development or supply chain management within Manufacturing, Defence, or Aerospace.
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Documented success in overseeing and enhancing supplier quality and delivery results.
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Robust problem-solving and analytical talents with the capacity to identify, report, and neutralize supply chain threats.
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Proficiency in lead time evaluation, process mapping, capacity strategy, and supplier interaction.
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Superior communication talents and history of stakeholder coordination across external and internal boundaries.
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A grasp of operating within intricate technical settings, with the flexibility to handle shifting priorities.
Job Data Table
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Eclectic Recruitment Ltd (on behalf of Client) |
| Location | Stevenage, United Kingdom |
| Locality | Hertfordshire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| City | Stevenage |
| Region | East of England |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Salaries | £47,000 – £50,000 per year |
| Experience Level | Proven background in Aerospace/Defence/Manufacturing |
| Travel | Site-based with supplier engagement |
| Language | English |
| Benefits | Bonus, 14% Pension, Flexi-Leave (15 days), Paid Overtime |
Skills & Competency Table
| Key Skill | Proficiency Level |
| Supplier Development | Expert |
| DMAIC / Lean Methodologies | Advanced |
| Capacity Auditing | Expert |
| Lead Time Analysis | Advanced |
| Risk Mitigation | Expert |
| Process Mapping | Advanced |
Salaries Pay Calculator Table
| Annual Salary | Bonus | Total Compensation | Notes |
| £47,000 – £50,000 | Company Performance | £47,000 – £50,000+ | Total package includes up to 14% pension and paid overtime. |
Job Summary
Lead supplier performance and capability for a major ISP function in Stevenage. You will conduct capacity audits, mitigate sub-tier risks, and apply DMAIC tools to drive delivery excellence. This role requires Aerospace or Defence experience and British Citizenship to manage complex technical portfolios during a critical production ramp-up.
FAQs
What are the nationality requirements for this role?
Due to the nature of the business, only candidates holding full British Citizenship or Dual UK nationality will be considered.
What specific problem-solving tools should I know?
The role requires the application of lean methodologies and structured tools, specifically the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework.
What industries is the client looking for experience in?
The successful candidate will ideally have a background in the Aerospace, Defence, or high-tech Manufacturing sectors.
What is the “Flexi-Leave” benefit mentioned?
The position offers a flexi-leave scheme allowing for up to 15 additional days of leave based on working arrangements.
Who is the primary contact for this application?
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Keelan at Eclectic Recruitment Ltd or apply directly via the job advert.
Expert Analysis
This is a “high-audit” role focusing on industrial readiness. The emphasis on DMAIC and sub-tier risk suggests a Tier-1 Defence environment where supplier bottlenecks can halt multi-million pound programs. Success requires a blend of technical process mapping and the soft skills needed to influence external suppliers to increase their capacity.
Location & Logistics Guide
Stevenage is a premier hub for the UK’s Aerospace and Defence industry, housing major players like MBDA and Airbus. Located just off the A1(M), it offers excellent logistics links to the Midlands and London, making it an ideal central location for managing a diverse national supplier base.
Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevenage
Career Path
A Supplier Development Manager in this ISP function can realistically progress to Supply Chain Manager or Procurement Director. The specialized skills in capacity auditing and industrial policy also provide a pathway into Operational Excellence leadership or Programme Management within the global defence and aerospace sectors.
To apply for this job please visit uk.linkedin.com.