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Supply Chain Manager - Specialist Engineering / Energy Transition
Location: Dorset
Salary: 85,000 + benefits
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of a complex, international supply chain within a specialist engineering business serving both oilfield services and the energy transition sector (hydrogen storage, CCUS, geothermal).
This is a pivotal role: you will design and implement a multi-tiered supply chain strategy, balancing in-house machining capability with a global network of third-party manufacturing partners. The aim is to deliver cost savings, shorter lead times, increased capacity, and world-class quality standards.
The company is undergoing a period of significant change under a new leadership team, with ambitious growth plans across international markets. The Supply Chain Manager will be central to delivering those plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a make vs buy strategy, optimising between in-house manufacturing and external suppliers.
- Build, qualify and manage a global vendor base, particularly machining, coatings, additive manufacturing, and assembly partners.
- Partner with Engineering to ensure manufacturability of product designs and to support innovation and NPD.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing to allocate large orders effectively across internal and external resources.
- Implement supplier KPIs, quarterly reviews, and vendor audits to drive quality and reliability.
- Lead margin improvement and cost optimisation initiatives (dual sourcing, VAVE, batch optimisation).
- Take responsibility for materials and inventory management, including JIT and vendor-managed inventory.
- Oversee and improve forecasting, planning, and ERP/MRP systems, working closely with Sales and Finance.
- Contribute to risk management and supply chain resilience, including international sourcing strategies.
- Uphold QHSE standards and ensure vendor compliance to industry regulations.
Candidate Profile
- Proven track record in supply chain leadership within a low-volume, high-spec engineering environment (e.g., oilfield services, aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing).
- Strong procurement and vendor development experience, including international sourcing and supplier qualification near customer markets (e.g., North Sea, Middle East, USA, APAC).
- Technical literacy: able to interpret engineering drawings, with solid understanding of CNC machining; knowledge of additive manufacturing desirable.
- Experienced in ERP/MRP planning systems, forecasting, and S&OP.
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Influential leader able to engage Board-level stakeholders while driving operational excellence.
- Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business preferred; CIPS qualification advantageous.
Package
- Salary: 85,000
- Benefits: 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays, Pension, Life Assurance
Why Apply?
- Strategic leadership role with visibility at CEO and Board level.
- Opportunity to shape a supply chain that underpins global growth in both oil & gas and energy transition technologies.
- Mix of hands-on supplier development and long-term strategy.
- Excellent prospects for progression within a high-growth, innovation-driven environment.
How to Apply
If you have the skills and experience to lead a complex international supply chain in an engineering and energy-transition context, we would like to hear from you.
