Job Description

Supply Chain Manager

Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 + Excellent Benefits

Type: Full-time, Permanent, On-site

A leading-edge manufacturing business is seeking a proactive and experienced Supply Chain Manager to join its Operations & Quality team in Abingdon. This is a key role responsible for managing the full supply chain lifecycle, including sourcing, procurement, logistics and inventory control for specialist materials and internationally shipped components.

Ideal for candidates with a background in manufacturing supply chains, particularly involving metals, powders or similarly controlled materials, this position offers the opportunity to influence key operational functions in a highly technical environment.

The Role
Reporting to the Head of Production and managing a Goods-In & Inventory Coordinator, the successful candidate will take ownership of supplier relationships, purchasing processes, goods receipt, stock control and international logistics. The role requires close collaboration with production, engineering and quality teams to ensure materials and components are delivered on time, to spec and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify and onboard suppliers for key production inputs

• Lead supplier negotiations and maintain commercial terms

• Develop sourcing strategies and manage supplier performance

Purchasing & Planning

• Manage purchase orders and maintain accurate ERP/MRP data

• Forecast demand in collaboration with Production and Sales

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and audit readiness

Logistics & Inventory Control

• Oversee international shipments and customs processes

• Manage goods-in activities and ensure material traceability

• Maintain accurate inventory records and support non-conformance handling

Cost & Risk Management

• Monitor material and freight costs

• Maintain supplier risk registers

• Produce supply chain reports and dashboards

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Line manage the Goods-In & Inventory function

• Develop SOPs for purchasing and inventory workflows

• Drive process improvements across the supply chain

Requirements

Essential

• Supply chain or procurement experience within manufacturing

• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship skills

• Knowledge of incoterms, customs and international shipping

• ERP/MRP experience and strong data discipline

• Understanding of material traceability and quality processes

• Experience managing goods-in or stock control functions

• Proficiency in Excel; Power BI beneficial

Desirable

• Background in metals or powder-based manufacturing

• CIPS qualification or currently studying

Key Competencies

• Accountability and initiative

• Analytical thinking

• Collaboration

• Attention to detail

• Commitment to safety and compliance

Salary and Benefits

• £50,000 to £60,000 per annum

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

• 9% employer pension contribution

• Private healthcare (including dental, optical and health screening)

• Share option scheme