📍 Cheltenham - 3 days on site, 2 from home
🛡 UK Citizenship Required
✈️ Travel: Approx. 10%
Copello are recruiting for a Supply Chain Lead to join a growing and highly secure technology and engineering environment based in Cheltenham. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering strategic supply chain solutions that support complex, mission-critical programmes within a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation.
The Opportunity
As Supply Chain Lead, you’ll be responsible for delivering a sustainable, efficient, and strategically aligned supply chain capability across a range of programmes. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, you’ll help shape sourcing strategies, strengthen supplier relationships, and drive operational performance improvements.
This position would suit someone with strong commercial awareness, supplier management experience, and the ability to operate effectively within complex programme environments.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide senior supply chain support across programmes, including identifying suitable suppliers and supporting negotiation and tendering strategies.
* Lead competitive sourcing activities to ensure value for money, timely delivery, and alignment with programme requirements.
* Negotiate and implement supplier agreements, ensuring commercial and contractual requirements are effectively managed.
* Manage supplier relationships proactively, including performance, pricing, availability, and obsolescence risks.
* Oversee supplier performance governance and report on key metrics including OTIF, quality, and risk.
* Collaborate closely with programme and operational teams, providing regular reporting and stakeholder updates.
* Support and mentor wider Supply Chain team members while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
* Previous experience within a supply chain or procurement function.
* Strong understanding of subcontract negotiation and contract management principles.
* Experience supporting the supply chain elements of complex programmes or projects.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
* Advanced Excel and MS Office skills.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
* Degree qualified or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Desirable
* CIPS qualification.
* Experience working with US export/import trade controls.
* Additional European language skills.
Candidates who meet most, but not all, of the criteria are still encouraged to apply.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Government security clearance.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements, including compressed working options.
* Private healthcare.
* Health cash plan.
* Holiday buy/sell scheme.
* Ongoing career development and progression opportunities.
* Performance-related bonus scheme
Salary description
£55000.00 - £55000.00 per year