Job Title: Head of Supply Chain Company Name: RLC Aerospace Employment Type: Permanent Reporting to: COO Department: Supply Chain Location: Base Langford Lodge (Northern Ireland) with regular travel to other Ronaldsway (Isle of Man) and suppliers. Job Purpose The Head of Supply Chain will lead the implementation, and monitoring of the supply chain strategy for both Langford and Ronaldsway. This role is crucial in aligning sourcing requirements and ensuring supplier compliance with regulations and industry standards, all in accordance with the business objectives and RLC Supply Chain Strategies. In addition to strategic oversight, the Head of Supply Chain will cultivate strong relationships both internally and externally, fostering collaboration across the supply chain and within the aerospace industry at large. This position is pivotal in driving operational excellence and enhancing supplier partnerships to meet the evolving needs of the business. Key Responsibilities: Responsible for all aspects of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) within the department. Own, manage, and implement supply chain sourcing and commercial solutions from supplier selection, tendering process, commercial and contract negotiation through to contract award, implementation, and order placement. Implement supplier and commodity strategies that drive sustainable improvements in overall supply chain performance. Conduct supplier assessments, development, and ensure compliance with government regulations, industrial standards, export control, and ITAR requirements. Control procurement costs and identify opportunities for savings. Deliver a sourcing project portfolio aligned with relevant sourcing plans and business metrics (e.g., return on investment, savings, schedule). Ensure a commercial and supplier compliance framework that achieves cost competitiveness, cost avoidance, value improvement, and sustainable procurement. Resolve commercial and compliance issues within the supply chain. Manage the delivery flow of parts and services, communicating issues to manufacturing cells. Drive continuous improvement in supply chain management processes and resolve internal and external supply chain issues. Manage and develop supplier relationships and partnerships, establishing optimal production and supply schedules to meet customer demand efficiently. Lead site supply chain cost reduction initiatives while ensuring procurement costs are controlled. Achieve site Supply Chain KPI targets and oversee the performance of the site Supply Chain team. Champion internal and external audits related to Supply Chain. Ensure compliance with RLC policies, government regulations, industrial standards, logistics customs requirements, and customer requirements within Supply Chain. Participate in operations meetings, providing real-time updates to operations teams. Maintain strong working relationships and collaborate closely with key stakeholders to execute program and sourcing requirements successfully. Lead sourcing engagement with internal and external stakeholders from project kick-off through contract implementation, ensuring high customer satisfaction and savings results. Support the Business Development and Programme team in identifying potential new opportunities requiring Supply Chain engagement. Establish early supplier involvement to achieve development performance goals, support project timelines, and manage product costs. Develop innovative solutions to rationalize the supplier base, identifying preferred sources of supply and introducing new sources where applicable. Gather market intelligence and trends for commodities, identifying risks and opportunities, and work with stakeholders to mitigate strategic risks. Assist in other areas or perform additional duties as assigned to support business needs Highly competitive market leading package and benefits Person Specification ESSENTIAL 1. Qualifications Degree qualified or relevant professional certification within Supply Chain Management (CIPS) or relevant recent substantive experience 2. Experience Must have extensive commodity management and supplier relationship management experience. Must have a proven track records and experience of on timely meeting targets & tight deadlines. Minimum 10 years hands-on experience with a proven track record in supply chain management, sourcing, inventory management, and supplier relationship managementin a manufacturing environment. Must have strong working knowledge and hands on experience of how to use ERP. Must have a proven track record and hands on experience in commercial and contract negotiation. Experience of managing and developing team performance. 3. Knowledge & Skills Very good understanding & knowledge of legal aspects of procurement contracts. Extensive knowledge of structured, high value negotiation practices, contract formation and terms and conditions. Strong commercial acumen. Strong negotiation, interpersonal, influencing & problem- solving skills. Excellent verbal & written communication and presentation skills at all levels. Excellent numerical reasoning and analytical skills. Understanding of supply chain management, business operations & processes within manufacturing environment. Financially astute. Awareness of Aerospace standards & regulations.Understand green supply chain requirements and good practices. 4. Personal Qualities A results focused self-starter with a 'can-do attitude. Ability to use own initiative & proactive. High integrity, open & honest. Ability to juggle multiple priorities at the same time and have sense of urgency. Ability to work unsupervised and to work under pressure. Analytical, attention to detail, methodical and diligent. Comfortable & proven ability to work as part of a team as well as independently. Strong knowledge of end-to-end supply chain processes and managementwithin manufacturing environment. Understanding of business operations & manufacturing processes. Strong process improvement skill. Excellent verbal & written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Excellent numerical reasoning and analytical skills. Excellent negotiation skills. Good understanding of legal aspects of procurement contracts.Financially astute. 5. Circumstances Available & willing to work additional hours when required to meet deadlines. Travel, both UK and overseas, may be required. Driving license required. Skills: Strategic Planning Staff Development Innovation Commercial awareness Cost Control Data Analysis Inventory Management