Security Clearance: This role is subject to successful completion of SC clearance prior to commencement. Please review our Security Clearance Guidance for Applicants before applying.
About Us
At Steatite, we design, manufacture, and supply advanced technology solutions — from industrial embedded computing and custom lithium battery packs to secure communications, antennas, and imaging systems.
Our innovations operate in some of the world’s most demanding environments. From the ocean floor to the edge of space, Steatite technology ensures critical systems perform reliably, consistently, and safely — 24/7. Whether enabling scientific discovery in extreme conditions, transmitting high-bandwidth data across challenging terrain, processing vast volumes of traffic data, or supporting secure transactions on the move, our solutions are built to perform when it matters most.
From day one, you will be part of an organisation that prioritises your safety and wellbeing, values your contribution, and is committed to making your career both rewarding and impactful.
Looking for more than just your next role? Join us in the beautiful rolling hills of Herefordshire, where you can combine an exciting career with an exceptional quality of life. We welcome applications from across the UK, and relocation support is available for eligible candidates, subject to individual circumstances and business requirements.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Supply Chain Manager to lead, optimise, and future-proof our end-to-end supply chain within a highly specialised RF manufacturing environment.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring material availability, supplier performance, cost control, and operational excellence across a low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing operation. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will develop and execute supply chain strategies that support business growth, customer delivery requirements, and operational capability.
Our business designs and manufactures bespoke RF components, assemblies, and sub-systems for customers operating in the defence, aerospace, communications, and advanced technology sectors. As we continue to scale our operations and strengthen our delivery performance, you will play a critical role in building a resilient, agile, and high-performing supply chain function.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Supply Chain Leadership
- Develop and implement a supply chain strategy aligned with business objectives, customer requirements, and future growth plans.
- Lead procurement, planning, logistics, and materials management activities across the full product lifecycle.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve cost competitiveness.
Supplier Management & Sourcing
- Build and maintain strong relationships with specialist suppliers across RF, electronics, machining, PCB assembly, and precision engineering sectors.
- Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to enhance capability, capacity, and supply chain resilience.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and service levels to secure best value and minimise supply risk.
- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Operational Planning & Materials Control
- Oversee demand planning, MRP activities, and inventory optimisation to support on-time delivery performance.
- Ensure robust configuration control and full traceability of materials and components.
- Work closely with engineering and production teams to manage long lead-time items, prototype builds, and design-for-manufacture considerations.
Logistics & Compliance
- Manage inbound and outbound logistics activities, including export controls, customs documentation, and compliance requirements.
- Ensure adherence to relevant quality, regulatory, and environmental standards, including ISO9001, AS9100, RoHS, and REACH.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and commercial teams to support successful project delivery.
- Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership on supply chain performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives.
Skills & Experience
We're looking for a supply chain professional who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence and has experience working within a technically complex manufacturing environment.
You will ideally have:
- Proven experience in a Supply Chain Manager or senior supply chain leadership role within RF, electronics, aerospace, defence, or a similarly regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of low-volume, high-complexity engineering and manufacturing supply chains.
- Demonstrable experience in supplier development, strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and performance management.
- Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and the ability to use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Understanding of export controls, ITAR/EAR considerations, and other regulated industry requirements.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.
- Degree qualification in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- CIPS qualification or working towards accreditation would be advantageous.
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to shape and lead the supply chain function within a growing, technology-driven manufacturing business operating at the forefront of RF engineering.
You will have the autonomy to influence strategy, develop supplier partnerships, and drive meaningful improvements that directly impact business performance and customer success. Working alongside a highly skilled engineering and leadership team, you'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of complex, bespoke solutions used in some of the world's most demanding defence, aerospace, communications, and advanced technology applications.
Benefits For You
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EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
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26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays + More For Length of Service
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Pensions Plan
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Company Sick Pay Scheme
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Life Assurance Scheme
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Profit Share Scheme
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All Employee Share Plan
We are an equal opportunity employer fostering an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates.
