Head of Supply Chain Operations
// Role Summary
Lead end-to-end supply chain operations and strategy within a complex manufacturing environment. Drive efficiency, resilience, and continuous improvement across warehousing, logistics, and demand planning.
// Key Responsibilities
- Senior leadership role overseeing complex supply chain operations.
- Responsible for Warehousing, Logistics, Inventory Management, and Demand Planning.
- Drives operational strategy, transformation, and efficient material flow.
- Manages multidisciplinary teams and engages with senior stakeholders.
- Requires experience in complex defence/manufacturing environments and ERP/WMS systems.
// Role Specification
About the Role
BAE Systems is seeking a Head of Supply Chain Operations to join their team in Govan or Scotstoun, Glasgow. This is a senior leadership position responsible for the comprehensive end-to-end operational Supply Chain strategy and its integration within a complex manufacturing environment. The role is crucial for ensuring the optimized flow of raw materials and components essential for programme delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the Supply Chain operations strategy, focusing on optimization across Warehousing, Logistics, Inventory Management, and Supply Chain Demand Management.
- Champion the highest standards of Health & Safety and ensure compliance with all regulatory, customer, and internal requirements.
- Lead the end-to-end flow of materials, ensuring strategic control of raw material availability and alignment of supply and demand.
- Develop and enhance Warehouse and Logistics capabilities to ensure scalable, safe, compliant, and efficient operations, optimizing network footprint and capacity.
- Establish and embed robust Supply Chain demand management practices to improve forecast accuracy and alignment with integrated business planning and production needs.
- Drive continuous improvement and best practice adoption, leveraging internal and external networks to optimize processes and reduce costs.
- Oversee transport, distribution, and third-party logistics providers, ensuring governance, compliance, performance, and value delivery.
- Develop and lead strategic performance and financial frameworks, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across cost, delivery, quality, and service, with accountability for budget management and cost optimization.
- Identify and manage Supply Chain risks, implementing proactive mitigation and resilience strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
- Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, acting as a key senior stakeholder across operations, procurement, programmes, and executive leadership.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven end-to-end Supply Chain operations leadership experience within complex defence, manufacturing, or engineering environments.
- Experience managing warehouse operations, logistics, inventory management, and Supply Chain demand planning at scale.
- Demonstrated experience in Logistics, transport, and distribution management, including oversight of third-party logistics (3PL) providers and partner performance.
- A strong track record of delivering operational performance improvement and strategic transformation, driving optimization across cost, service, and efficiency.
- Experience utilizing ERP and/or WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to support data-driven Supply Chain decision-making.
- Solid financial and commercial acumen, including budget ownership, cost optimization, and working capital management.
- Excellent senior stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across operations and the wider business.
Team and Culture
You will be part of the wider Supply Chain function, reporting to the GCS Supply Chain Director. This role involves working alongside senior leaders across procurement, planning, and programme supply chain. You will be responsible for a multidisciplinary team including Warehousing, Logistics, Materials, Supply Chain Demand Management, and Transport, with direct reports and oversight of a broader group of staff and third-party providers. Close collaboration with Manufacturing, Operations, and Programme teams is essential for effective end-to-end Supply Chain delivery. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-profile work with real-world impact within a globally recognized organization.
Working at BAE Systems
BAE Systems offers a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Enjoy lifelong learning, meaningful work, and opportunities for growth. You'll be recognized for your contributions and receive rewards tailored to your needs, along with support for your financial and personal well-being. Embrace a balanced lifestyle in a supportive culture that values diversity, inclusion, and shared purpose, where everyone can thrive and make a difference.
Security Requirements
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. These restrictions may impact eligibility based on nationality, previous nationalities held, and place of birth. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) as a minimum. Many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically involves 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level. Specific requirements will be discussed during the recruitment process.