Supply Chain Manager
CV-LibraryKidlington, OxfordshirepermanentPosted: 12 May 2026
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We are seeking an experienced and driven Supply Chain Manager to join a leading Tier 1 automotive manufacturing business. This role is responsible for overseeing and optimising the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring the seamless flow of materials from suppliers through to production and delivery to OEM customers.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining high service levels, supporting production schedules, and driving continuous improvement across supply chain operations within a fast-paced, just-in-time (JIT) environment.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Management
Lead and manage the end-to-end supply chain function including planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory control
Ensure material availability to support production schedules while optimising inventory levels
Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives
Manage demand forecasting and production planning processes
Supplier Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure performance against quality, cost, and delivery targets
Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive improvement plans where required
Support supplier selection, onboarding, and risk management activities
Monitor supplier capacity and mitigate supply risks proactively
Operational Excellence
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities across the supply chain
Improve processes related to planning, logistics, and inventory management
Ensure adherence to automotive quality standards and compliance requirements
Logistics & Inventory Control
Oversee inbound and outbound logistics operations, including warehousing and transport
Manage inventory accuracy, stock levels, and working capital targets
Ensure efficient material flow and minimisation of waste
Customer & Stakeholder Management
Work closely with OEM customers to ensure on-time delivery and service excellence
Collaborate cross-functionally with production, engineering, quality, and commercial teams
Act as the key escalation point for supply chain disruptions
Team Leadership
Lead, develop, and mentor the supply chain team
Set clear objectives and KPIs, monitoring team performance
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-Time Delivery (OTD) to customers
Inventory turns and stock accuracy
Supplier performance (OTIF, quality, cost)
Production line stoppages due to material shortages
Working capital and cost reduction targets
Skills & Experience
Essential
Proven experience in a Supply Chain Manager or senior supply chain role within automotive or advanced manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
Strong understanding of JIT, JIS, and lean manufacturing principles
Experience managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvement
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Desirable
APICS / CIPS / Lean Six Sigma certification
Experience working with OEM customers
Knowledge of automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949)
Project management experience
Personal Attributes
Results-driven with a proactive and hands-on approach
Strong leadership and team development capabilities
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Continuous improvement mindset
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data
We are seeking an experienced and driven Supply Chain Manager to join a leading Tier 1 automotive manufacturing business. This role is responsible for overseeing and optimising the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring the seamless flow of materials from suppliers through to production and delivery to OEM customers.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining high service levels, supporting production schedules, and driving continuous improvement across supply chain operations within a fast-paced, just-in-time (JIT) environment.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Management
Lead and manage the end-to-end supply chain function including planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory control
Ensure material availability to support production schedules while optimising inventory levels
Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives
Manage demand forecasting and production planning processes
Supplier Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure performance against quality, cost, and delivery targets
Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive improvement plans where required
Support supplier selection, onboarding, and risk management activities
Monitor supplier capacity and mitigate supply risks proactively
Operational Excellence
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities across the supply chain
Improve processes related to planning, logistics, and inventory management
Ensure adherence to automotive quality standards and compliance requirements
Logistics & Inventory Control
Oversee inbound and outbound logistics operations, including warehousing and transport
Manage inventory accuracy, stock levels, and working capital targets
Ensure efficient material flow and minimisation of waste
Customer & Stakeholder Management
Work closely with OEM customers to ensure on-time delivery and service excellence
Collaborate cross-functionally with production, engineering, quality, and commercial teams
Act as the key escalation point for supply chain disruptions
Team Leadership
Lead, develop, and mentor the supply chain team
Set clear objectives and KPIs, monitoring team performance
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-Time Delivery (OTD) to customers
Inventory turns and stock accuracy
Supplier performance (OTIF, quality, cost)
Production line stoppages due to material shortages
Working capital and cost reduction targets
Skills & Experience
Essential
Proven experience in a Supply Chain Manager or senior supply chain role within automotive or advanced manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
Strong understanding of JIT, JIS, and lean manufacturing principles
Experience managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvement
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Desirable
APICS / CIPS / Lean Six Sigma certification
Experience working with OEM customers
Knowledge of automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949)
Project management experience
Personal Attributes
Results-driven with a proactive and hands-on approach
Strong leadership and team development capabilities
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Continuous improvement mindset
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data