Job description for Supply Chain Manager

Do you want to play an exciting and pivotal role in supporting Royal Navy frontline operations? We are looking for a Supply Chain Manager to manage supply chain inventory within Combat Ships Operations (CSO) and as part of the Platform Support Group (PSG).

The PSG is a team of 13 operating from Rosyth, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. Despite being geographically divided, the PSG team shares a common goal: improving the deployed operational capability and sustainment of Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships. They have ambitious targets, and a portfolio of projects aimed at enhancing the lived experience of frontline ship staff, deployed engineering resilience, and the availability of RN/RFA ships.

Roles within PSG are flexible. In this position, you will lead on individual ship classes, whilst building knowledge and skills to become a subject matter expert. You will initially focus on providing onboard equipment spares assurance and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Type 23 Frigates’ forward inventory. As the new Type 26s replace the Type 23s, your role will transition to in-service management of the T26s and providing guidance and support to a wide range of stakeholder, Ships Staff, MoD Project Team and Contractors regarding carried on-board spares requirements.

A comprehensive programme of task-specific training and mentoring will be provided. You will occasionally need to attend meetings in shipbuilding yards, MOD establishments, and onboard ship liaison visits, with prior notice and covered subsistence costs.

In return, we offer great benefits, including a market-leading employer pension contribution, performance-based bonuses, a flexible working environment, and training and development opportunities to build a career in DE&S. We also have a wide range of staff networks where you can meet new people, share perspectives, and celebrate differences. When you join us, you’ll be joining a real community.

 We champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required for 3 days per week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

What you’ll be doing

• Developing and maintaining the on-board engineering spares Forward Inventory, ensuring MOD-owned spares are accounted for according to policy and procedures to optimise inventory and operational planning.
• Using MOD Logistic Information Systems to comply with equipment and system fit status and relevant technical documentation.
• Conducting annual reviews of ship equipment inventory, adjusting spares to support changes in equipment status, obsolescence, or documentation.
• Leading and advising stakeholders to ensure all RN and RFA ship through life support onboard Forward Inventory tasks are undertaken efficiently and effectively
• Providing logistics, accounting, and disposal guidance, ensuring tasks are timely and comply with policy and procedures coordinating with project teams.
• Ensuring Inventory disposal is coordinated with Equipment Project Teams and the Defence Sales Agency, whilst considering recycling opportunities.
• Providing written briefs, updates, and lessons learned for line management as required.
• Recommending ways to optimise on-board Maritime Forward inventory to maximise capability, operability, and minimise costs for operational tasks.

 Person specification

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

• Evidence of analysing, interpreting and acting upon complex data / information.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement across varying grades and ranks , internal and external.
• Examples of delivering customer service.
• Ability to determine short-term priorities for self and others.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and Access). (Training will be provided if required, on MOD Log IS).

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

• Materiel and Financial Accounting for Inventory – Practitioner level
• Continuous Improvement to Optimise Support – Supervised Practitioner level
• Delivering at pace – CSBC3
• Changing and improving – CSBC3

Benefits

• • • • • 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 28.97%
        • 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

Further Information

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

Selection Process Details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

 Offering at a lower level

If you’re not successful at interview, we may offer you a role at a lower level if this is a match for your skills and experience. If this applies to your application, you’ll be scored against criteria for the lower-level role and offers will be made in merit order. If you accept this position, you’ll be able to take advantage of opportunities to develop your career as part of our team.

Ready to join us as a Supply Chain Manager? Apply today.