SDA Supply Chain Manager

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. 

Here you’ll find a community to belong to – whether that’s alongside project teams with a shared vision or as part of an employee network of like-minded individuals. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary. 

Discover more about our work: 
 

We offer 25+ days’ holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of around 27%, to help work work for you. 

Please note, for security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. If successful, you’ll be required to pass Security Check clearance.

Are you an experienced Supply Chain Manager looking for a new and exciting opportunity within Defence?

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is looking for a Supply Chain Manager to join the Supply and Support Team, based in Barrow-in-Furness.

The Supply and Support Team have an essential contribution to make to ensure that the Dreadnought Alliance can deliver four Dreadnought submarines, with the first one ready for patrol by 2030. Our mission is to deliver key elements of equipment to the UK’s Nuclear Submarine Programme and ensure that these submarines are ready to enter service once constructed to both maintain Continuous At Sea Deterrence (CASD), which has been in operation since 1969, alongside other submarine outputs.

As the lead Supply Chain Manager, you’ll liaise with stakeholders at all levels across multiple organisations and be responsible for supporting key project outputs and activities including materiel accounting, inventory management and policy compliance.

This role is based in our offices at BAE Systems, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1AF, and in-office attendance will be expected as required, at a minimum 3 days a week. Whilst your role is based in Barrow-in-Furness, you’ll be reporting into managers based in MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol. The role will include UK travel (including Abbey Wood) with the possibility of international travel. Reasonable notice will be given, with flexibility and a family-friendly approach in mind.

The role has the potential to be demanding given the challenges faced, but also extremely rewarding. This is an exciting chance for a dynamic, experienced, and technically proficient individual to join the organisation and make a real difference to Defence operations.

Please be advised that due to the nature of security, these roles are reserved for sole UK Nationals only.

What you’ll be doing

• Responsible for supporting key project outputs that contribute to Time, Cost & Quality within the aspect of the delivery into all equipment areas. This will include supporting project artefacts and activities such as Inventory management, Policy Compliance, Project Governance, Basis of Estimates; Internal Business Agreements, Risk, Monthly reporting drumbeat, Materiel Accounting, and opportunities to influence Ministry of Defence (MoD) and SDA policies for managing Government Furnished Equipment.
• Co-ordinate and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders across multiple organisations and within the Dreadnought Alliance. This will involve regular interactions with UK based and US based colleagues within BAE, Rolls Royce, the SDA, DE&S & US Government, communicating and influencing across all areas.
• Management responsibility for equipment Disposals or return to stores, seeking US approval where applicable and liaising with responsible stakeholders to facilitate the timely removal of unwanted material.
• Principle interface with the Dreadnought BAES Material Management and Logistics Teams (co-located with in BAE Barrow Shipyard), acting as the first point of contact for accurate management information associated with equipment handover and materiel accounting.
• Key Barrow based interface with BAE Operations Team and US stakeholders to support ongoing management of site-based equipment to ensure its ongoing operation, including facilitation of spares and dedicated Subject Matter Expert (SME) support.
• Key Barrow based contact to enable early updates to remote teams in terms of operational status, storage and additional details when required.
• Responsible for ensuring contract and MoD specific policies are adhered to by both internal stakeholders and industry.

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience of stakeholder and relationship management.
• Experience in delivering customer service.
• Experience of working within a Supply Chain environment.
• Experience of continuous improvement and leading a team through change.
• Experience with risk and issue management/resolution.
• Experience of leading, coaching and supporting a team.

It would also be great if you can demonstrate any of the following desirable criteria:

• Experience using Logistic Information Systems

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Stakeholder Management – Expert
• Materiel and Financial Accounting for Inventory – Expert
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday 

• Flexible and hybrid working options 

• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27% 
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards 
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications 
• Support for progression 
• Huge range of discounts 
• Volunteering days 
• Enhanced parental leave schemes 

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know. 

Further Information 

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/SDA-Candidate-Information-Pack  
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions  

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Job contact :

• Name : Jade Kirby – SDA Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Email : jade.kirby117@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : jade.kirby117@mod.gov.uk