Supply Chain Manager - Specialist Engineering / Energy Transition
Location: Dorset
Salary: £85,000 + benefits
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of a complex, international supply chain within a specialist engineering business serving both oilfield services and the energy transition sector (hydrogen storage, CCUS, geothermal).
This is a pivotal role: you will design and implement a multi-tiered supply chain strategy, balancing in-house machining capability with a global network of third-party manufacturing partners. The aim is to deliver cost savings, shorter lead times, increased capacity, and world-class quality standards.
The company is undergoing a period of significant change under a new leadership team, with ambitious growth plans across international markets. The Supply Chain Manager will be central to delivering those plans.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute a make vs buy strategy, optimising between in-house manufacturing and external suppliers.
Build, qualify and manage a global vendor base, particularly machining, coatings, additive manufacturing, and assembly partners.
Partner with Engineering to ensure manufacturability of product designs and to support innovation and NPD.
Collaborate with Manufacturing to allocate large orders effectively across internal and external resources.
Implement supplier KPIs, quarterly reviews, and vendor audits to drive quality and reliability.
Lead margin improvement and cost optimisation initiatives (dual sourcing, VAVE, batch optimisation).
Take responsibility for materials and inventory management, including JIT and vendor-managed inventory.
Oversee and improve forecasting, planning, and ERP/MRP systems, working closely with Sales and Finance.
Contribute to risk management and supply chain resilience, including international sourcing strategies.
Uphold QHSE standards and ensure vendor compliance to industry regulations.
Candidate Profile
Proven track record in supply chain leadership within a low-volume, high-spec engineering environment (e.g., oilfield services, aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing).
Strong procurement and vendor development experience, including international sourcing and supplier qualification near customer markets (e.g., North Sea, Middle East, USA, APAC).
Technical literacy: able to interpret engineering drawings, with solid understanding of CNC machining; knowledge of additive manufacturing desirable.
Experienced in ERP/MRP planning systems, forecasting, and S&OP.
Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Influential leader able to engage Board-level stakeholders while driving operational excellence.
Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business preferred; CIPS qualification advantageous.
Package
Salary: £85,000
Benefits: 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays, Pension, Life Assurance
Why Apply?
Strategic leadership role with visibility at CEO and Board level.
Opportunity to shape a supply chain that underpins global growth in both oil & gas and energy transition technologies.
Mix of hands-on supplier development and long-term strategy.
Excellent prospects for progression within a high-growth, innovation-driven environment.
How to Apply
If you have the skills and experience to lead a complex international supply chain in an engineering and energy-transition context, we would like to hear from you