Supply Chain Manager

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER? At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting-edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation. Digital | Defence | Security | Space We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space. We offer a unique surveillance-as-a-service solution that delivers real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace. Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission-driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards. At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making. If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you. The Role The Supply Chain Manager – Direct Purchasing is responsible for executing procurement strategy, managing supplier performance, and ensuring material and service availability across Tekever’s UK Research & Development and manufacturing operations. You will support the scaling of serial production of the AR3 and AR5 platforms by delivering cost-effective and reliable sourcing with a focus on sovereign capability. Also adapting procurement strategies to enabling fast paced Research and Development. This role balances hands-on purchasing execution with structured supplier and category management, ensuring cost, quality, and lead-time targets are met. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, logistics, trade compliance and commercial teams, taking ownership of day-to-day procurement performance while contributing to broader supply chain improvements. You will inherit an evolving supplier base and play a key role in strengthening, rationalising, and professionalizing procurement capability to support production growth. Key Responsibilities Procurement and Purchasing Execute procurement activities across direct materials (e.g. components, assemblies, raw materials). Manage the end-to-end purchasing cycle: requisition validation, RFQs, supplier selection, negotiation support, PO placement, and follow-up. Deliver cost savings in line with departmental targets through negotiation, supplier consolidation, and demand management. Support the development and implementation of category strategies. Maintain accurate purchasing data, pricing records, and contract documentation. Supplier Management and Development Manage day-to-day relationships with suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply and issue resolution. Monitor supplier performance against KPIs including OTIF, quality (PPM, NCR), cost, and responsiveness. Lead supplier onboarding, qualification, and audit activities in line with quality standards (e.g. ISO9001, AS9100, ISO14001, ISO27001). Work with Quality and Engineering to resolve supplier performance issues and drive corrective actions. Contribute to supplier development initiatives, including dual sourcing and risk mitigation for critical components. Cost Control and Reporting Track spend against budget and identify opportunities for cost optimisation. Support spend analysis reporting to identify trends, risks, and savings opportunities. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, financial controls, and approval processes. Assist in managing working capital by optimising payment terms, order quantities, and stock coverage. Process Improvement and Systems Support continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools, and workflows. Maintain high-quality ERP/MRP master data (pricing, lead times, supplier data). Work with planning, IT, and finance teams to improve data accuracy and system effectiveness. Contribute to the implementation or enhancement of ERP/MRP systems. Risk, Compliance and Governance Identify and escalate supply risks including single-source exposure, long lead times, and supplier constraints. Support compliance with export controls, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. Ensure procurement activities align with quality, security, and ethical sourcing requirements. Contribute to supplier risk assessments including financial, and operational. What You’ll Bring Essential Minimum of 3 years proven experience in a supply chain, procurement, or purchasing role within a regulated or engineered-product environment (e.g. aerospace, defence, automotive, electronics, or similar). Strong operational procurement capability, including PO management, supplier coordination, and expediting. Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, IFS, Enterprise 365, Odoo). Ability to manage supplier relationships and resolve day-to-day supply and quality issues. Good commercial awareness, including basic negotiation and cost control principles and experience with terms and conditions flow down. Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Desirable Exposure to supplier qualification processes and quality standards (e.g. AS9100 and ISO9001). Experience supporting production or manufacturing environments. Understanding of cost analysis, should-costing, or value engineering principles. Working knowledge of export controls or regulated industry requirements. CIPS qualification (or working towards). What We Offer An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Company pension contribution matched up to 10%. 25 days annual holiday + 8 Bank holidays. Medical Insurance. Dental Insurance. Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme) Discretionary annual company bonus. Do you want to know more about us ? Visit our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tekever/ Tekever is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All offers are conditional on successful pre-employment screening, including UK security clearance where required.