Supply Chain Operations Focal Lead

Job description

Supply Chain Operations Focal Lead

Vacancy details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Reference

2025-163985

Position description

Domain

Performance and Support

Job field / Job profile

Supply chain - Supply chain manager

Job title

Supply Chain Operations Focal Lead

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

What does the role look like?

Are you ready to take ownership of a role where your leadership directly keeps production moving, customers satisfied, and teams performing at their best?

As Supply Chain Operational Focal Lead, you'll lead and inspire a team of Operational Focals — each dedicated to a value stream — ensuring materials flow on time, issues are resolved quickly, and everyone is aligned on priorities. You'll be the driving force that connects tactical execution with the bigger supply chain strategy.

This role isn't just about firefighting — it's about building a high-performing team, spotting opportunities to improve how we work, and giving people the tools and coaching to succeed. You'll work closely with Production Control, Procurement, and senior supply chain leadership, making your team the heartbeat that keeps operations running smoothly and efficiently.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

• Lead & Develop Team – Coach, mentor, and set clear objectives for a team of Supply Chain Operational Focals.

• Drive Consistency – Standardise processes, escalation routes, and performance across all value streams.

• Ensure Material Availability – Oversee day-to-day supply chain delivery to meet production schedules and customer commitments.

• Oversee Escalations – Manage high-impact supply issues, driving quick recovery and accountability.

• Engage Stakeholders – Act as the senior tactical contact for value streams, collaborating with Production Control, Procurement, and Logistics.

• Performance Oversight – Track shortages, OTD to line, and supplier recovery, consolidating data into clear insights for leadership.

• Facilitate Problem-Solving – Lead cross-functional resolution of recurring or systemic supply chain issues.

• Champion Continuous Improvement – Identify risks, reduce shortages, and implement initiatives that strengthen resilience.

• Promote Accountability – Build a culture of ownership, proactive risk management, and results-driven delivery.

• Connect Tactical to Strategic – Ensure lessons learned from day-to-day challenges are translated into long-term improvements.

But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.)

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary

• Company performance bonus scheme

• Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution

• Private medical insurance

• Comprehensive health cash plan

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)

• Structured training & opportunities to progress

Candidate skills & requirements

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills:

• Proven leadership in a complex manufacturing or engineering supply chain environment – you must have directly led teams and delivered results under pressure.

• Decisive problem-solving under pressure – able to spot risks early, make clear decisions fast, and drive escalations to resolution.

• Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management – can influence and align Production, Procurement, and senior leaders.

Desirable skills:

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).

• Ability to interpret build plans and engineering drawings.

• Background in Aftermarket supply chain management.

• Track record of continuous improvement in supply chain processes.

• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and juggle competing demands.

• Excellent data and reporting skills to turn metrics into meaningful insights.

Position location

Job location

Europe, UK, England, West Midlands

City (-ies)

Stafford Road WV10 7EH Wolverhampton