Supply Chain Lead

Northrop Grumman; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global defense company in Cheltenham is seeking a Supply Chain Specialist to support critical programs. You'll manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure smooth supply chain operations. A relevant degree and strong negotiation skills are essential. The role offers a competitive salary and various benefits including flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Private health care

Career development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• Qualified in a relevant subject preferably to degree level.
• Demonstrable experience of proposal work and review.
• Proven track record of building strong relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior supply chain support to programmes.
• Ensure ecosystem is healthy and supports programme delivery.
• Accountable for meeting programme schedule and budget commitments.

Skills

Supply chain expertise

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Understanding of contract law

Proposal experience

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Salary - £47,400 - £58,000

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK

At Northrop Grumman UK, our mission is to solve the most complex challenges by shaping the technology and solutions of tomorrow. We call it Defining Possible.

This mind-set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community. So, what’s your possible?

Opportunity:

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

You will be a key member of the Supply Chain team. Working within the defined processes and procedures, you will satisfy customer requirements while protecting the commercial and financial interests of the company. This role will be integral to the delivery of a sustainable supply chain to support the business. You will provide supply chain knowledge and guidance to the organisation .

This role develops strategic initiatives through optimisation of spend, collaboration with 3rd parties and developing ways of working through continuous improvement exercises and operation delivery such as demand forecasting, PO management, materials sourcing, scheduling and inventory management.

Our UK Defence business is a Sovereign software and systems centre of excellence. As well as developing and supporting UK wide and internationally deployed multi-domain command and control systems, our work is critical to the modern backbone of the Royal Navy. We pioneer – with fierce curiosity, dedication, and innovation, we seek to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Responsibilities:

• Providing senior supply chain support to the programmes through;
• Support in identification of suitable suppliers for 3rd party programme items and services
• Support in the shaping and strategy of negotiation and tendering practises to supply chain teams within the operating unit.
• Ensure that the eco-system is healthy and supports programme delivery within your OU.
• Accountable for meeting programme schedule and budget commitments through supplier management including;
• Identification of suitable suppliers for 3rd party items and services.
• Lead competitive exercises to maintain on-time delivery to programme at best value.
• Negotiation and implementation of agreements with appropriate customer flow downs.
• Proactively maintain positive and mutually beneficial supplier relationships.
• Manage supplier price and availability, including alternative sources, in line with programme needs.
• Monitor and manage obsolescence and other supply issues, providing status updates and reports as requested
• Highlight and/or escalation, in a timely fashion, any supplier delinquency that affects the programme delivery schedule.
• Ensuring that supplier performance measurement activities are maintained through good practise, including;
• Aligning suppliers to the Supplier Management Processes.
• Working with Mission Assurance and others; monitor supplier performance factors, such as OTIF, quality, risk & opportunity, management and values.

Benefits:

We can offer you a range of flexible and hybrid working options to suit you, including optional compressed working schedule with every other Friday off. Our benefits including private health care, career development opportunities and performance bonuses. For a comprehensive list of benefits, speak to our recruitment team.

We are looking for:

• Qualified in a relevant subject preferably to degree level
• Demonstrable experience of proposal work and review
• Proven track record of building strong relationships
• Evidenced success in negotiating and managing subcontracts
• Relevant experience of working within a supply chain function
• Experience and understanding of how supply chain operates within organisations and how to maximise efficiency
• Proven experience and understanding of contract/subcontract law and management

Security clearance:

You must be able to gain and maintain the relevant UK Government security clearance in line with the job role (SC). Our requirement team is on hand to answer any questions and we will guide you through the process: [e-mail].

Why join us?

• Be part of our global team of 100,000 colleagues – The possibilities for your future career are only limited by your drive. Whether you’re looking for a hands‑on internship or your next leadership position, we have career opportunities across the world. Northrop Grumman continues to expand and broaden our presence in global markets and strengthen our partnerships with local industry.
• A mission to believe in – Every day we contribute to building a more secure and connected world, expanding our reach from land, sea, and air to space and cyberspace. From engineering data and intelligence solutions, to developing maritime navigation and control systems and innovating command and control systems for the UK and NATO, what we do together matters.
• A place to belong and thrive – Every voice matters at our table meaning you can bring your authentic self to work. From our Employee Resource Groups backed by thousands of employees, to sponsoring Cheltenham Pride and our partnerships with Association For Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers, Forces Transition Group, Mind, and Women in Defence – we are passionate about growing and supporting our inclusive community where everyone can belong.
• Your career, your way - Shape your career journey with diverse roles, mentorship, and development opportunities that fuel your curiosity, channel your expertise and nurture your passion. Looking for flexibility? Balance your professional career with your personal life, health and wellbeing benefits, discount schemes, pension benefits and investment in your future development. Speak to our team to find the balance that’s right for you.

Ready to apply?

Yes – Submit your application online. Your application will be reviewed by our team and we will be in touch.

Possibly, I’d like to find out more about this role – Reach out to our team for more information and support: [e-mail].

No, I don’t think this role is right for me – Our extensive UK growth means we have exciting, new opportunities opening all the time. Speak to our team to discuss your career goals.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.