Component Manager
Aerospace/Defence
Role Overview
This role offers a unique chance to take ownership of component obsolescence activities and define how the function operates and evolves. You will collaborate with a broad range of internal stakeholders across multiple product lines, providing expert advice, direction, and support on best-practice obsolescence management.
Working pattern: Hybrid arrangement with approximately two days per week on site, aligned to role classification
Security requirements: Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals holding British citizenship
Please note that eligibility to work and nationality constraints may apply. All offers are subject to successful completion of UK government baseline security screening (BPSS), coordinated through the organisation’s security function.
The Role
Due to increasing programme demand and heightened instability across global supply chains — particularly within the electronics sector — an opportunity has arisen within the UK-based Component Engineering function for an Obsolescence Manager.
In this position, you will be responsible for reviewing, enhancing, and sustaining compliant obsolescence processes across the team. Leveraging your technical knowledge, you will oversee both preventative and responsive obsolescence strategies for a large portfolio of components used in complex systems and associated support equipment. Your work will directly support customers in addressing and mitigating design risks linked to component availability.
You will be supported by a team of Component Engineers who gather supplier data through established relationships. In partnership with this team, you will produce routine and ad-hoc reports detailing component lifecycle and obsolescence status.
The role provides extensive exposure across system development teams, specialist engineering centres, and portfolio leadership groups. Through these interactions, you will help drive consistent, coordinated, and resilient obsolescence management practices throughout the organisation.
Maintaining up-to-date expertise in obsolescence disciplines is a key aspect of the role. You will also be expected to share this knowledge with others through activities such as design assurance, training delivery, and capability development initiatives.
There is additional scope to contribute to, and potentially lead, international obsolescence programmes, shaping common approaches, defining best practice, and supporting adoption of agreed methodologies across global teams.
Essential Experience and Skills
*
Proven knowledge and practical experience in obsolescence management methods and tools
*
Familiarity with relevant standards, including BS 62402:2001
*
Strong communication skills, enabling effective engagement with stakeholders both in person and remotely
*
Ability to produce clear, well-structured engineering documentation
Desirable
*
Experience with engineering and supply-chain tools such as PLM systems, ERP platforms, and component intelligence databases