Supply Chain Manager

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection's threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites, and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

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.

Based onsite at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, 5 days a week.

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

• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 4 Direct reports, Matrix Management of 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.

Qualifications

Skills & Experience Required

• Eligible to obtain UK SC level Clearance (British Citizen or lived in UK for over 10 years)
• Sector experience: Strong preference for candidates from either an Aviation, Defence or Medical 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.

Additional Information

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

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, colour, 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 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 (Careers - Smiths Group plc)