Supply Chain Manager

Smiths Detection; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000

Job description

About Smiths Detection:

Smiths Detection is a global leader in detection and screening technologies for the protection of people and assets, supporting safety, security and freedom of movement in today’s world.

Our market leading technology helps prevent the illegal trafficking of narcotics, weapons, explosives and harmful chemicals, making the world a safer place.

This will be based at our Operations/Production site in Hemel Hempstead, 5 days a week.

Due to the sensitive nature of the projects you will be involved in, we can only consider applicants who are eligible for UK SC Clearance (British or lived here longer than 10 years) - we are unable to sponsor.

The Supply Chain Manager will lead the functional teams of Order to Invoice, Materials & Production Planning, and Logistics, ensuring seamless operations from order receipt to product shipment. The role is responsible for meeting inventory budgets and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

A strong preference is given to candidates from the Aviation, Defence or Medical Manufacturers as familiarity with their supply chain complexities and regulatory environments is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP/IBP) for the Hemel site, developing capacity plans in collaboration with Production.
• Own and manage the site’s inventory budget, ensuring procurement and Lean activities align with business objectives.
• Communication & Leadership: Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative, high-energy approach to motivating teams.
• Synchronise the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring smooth and cost-effective order fulfilment.
• 4 Direct reports, matrix management 20+ team members across Materials & Production Planning, Logistics, Commercial Shipping, and Intercompany operations.
• Ensure achievement of >90% On-Time Delivery to Customer Request (OTTR) and drive continuous improvement via site-wide initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and customers to optimise supply chain performance.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements using Lean methodology to optimise inventory levels and service delivery.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance to ensure business objectives are met.
• Provide key performance indicators (KPIs) to stakeholders and make strategic recommendations for inventory management.
• Drive financial and operational efficiencies, ensuring supply chain strategy aligns with budgetary and business goals.
• Develop and implement a supply chain process for managing products through New Product Introduction (NPI) and End-of-Life (EOL) phases.
• Lead and mentor team members, implementing Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and succession planning to build a high-performing team.

Skills & Experience Required

• Sector experience: Strong preference for candidates from either an Aviation, Medical or Defence Manufacturer.
• Supply Chain Leadership: Proven experience leading supply chain operations in a high-tech, complex manufacturing environment.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated ability to optimise processes using Lean principles and drive supply chain efficiency.
• Materials & Production Management: Experience in MRP planning, logistics, and inventory optimisation.
• Strategic Agility: Ability to align supply chain strategy with business growth and operational targets.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external partners.
• Change Leadership: Proven ability to drive and manage change in a fast-paced operational setting.
• Decision Making & Problem-Solving: Data-driven approach to inventory and production planning with a focus on root cause analysis.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers) or LinkedIn.