Role Overview 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