Head of Sourcing & Resilience (Aerospace & Defence)

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, UK. Candidates must be able to work in the UK without restrictions and successfully complete the appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting.

Company

Developer of mission- and safety-critical equipment for the defence and aerospace industry, supporting military and civil aircraft, vehicles, and unmanned systems.

What you will do

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies across electronics, PCBAs, mechanical commodities, indirect procurement, and new programmes.
• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, strategic partnerships, and supplier performance improvement.
• Own supply chain resilience, supplier risk governance, business continuity, and mitigation planning.
• Reduce sole-source dependencies through dual sourcing, supplier diversification, redesign, requalification, standardisation, and alternative technologies.
• Develop inventory and working-capital strategies while improving inventory turns and reducing excess and obsolete stock.
• Build and develop a high-performing sourcing organisation and contribute to Supply Chain Leadership Team priorities.

Requirements

• Leadership experience in aerospace, defence, or a similarly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category leadership.
• Experience managing supplier risk, resilience, and business continuity programmes.
• Proven success reducing sole-source dependency and improving supplier performance.
• Strong commercial, contractual, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to work in the UK without restrictions and willingness to complete UK National Security Vetting.

Nice to have

• Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business.
• MCIPS or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Knowledge of AS9100, aerospace quality requirements, and export controls.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction and complex programme environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working options may include hybrid home/office working, flexible schedules, and part-time or full-time arrangements where possible.
• Safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment.
• Focus on empowerment, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Equal-opportunity workplace committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and equality.