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.

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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.

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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.