Supplier Development Lead

Job Title: Supplier Development Lead

Location: Barrow in Furness – Hybrid (once per month on site plus supplier visits)

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Circa £50,000 (DOE)

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

You will focus on business‑critical activities to drive and sustain supplier performance, cost efficiency, and end‑to‑end supply chain reliability. This includes collaborating cross‑functionally to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and ensure continuous operational improvement.

Core duties:

• Collaborate amongst various stakeholder departments to define and implement joint plans to identify and improve impacts on Programmes schedule performance
• Monitor and measure progress and benefit of all responsible improvement activity across a number of assigned Suppliers
• Frequent travel to Supplier sites to build relationships and undertake collaborative problem solving and mitigations at the face of delivery
• Work alongside team members to support productive utilisation studies and share improvement learning skills and practices to drive internal improvement

Essential Skills:

• Problem solving and analytical reasoning
• Lean Six Sigma certified, or possessing equivalent capability through practical experience and proven methodological application
• A relevant project‑management qualification such as PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent demonstrable experience, along with a solid understanding of project‑management principles and practices
• Strong stakeholder management experience with the ability to guide and influence

The Supplier Development Team:

Join a team that drives live improvement across our National Endeavour, working directly with suppliers and collaborating across the Submarine Supply Chain. In the Supplier Development team, you’ll be empowered to engage suppliers on the ground, strengthen performance where it matters, and make a direct, measurable impact on programme delivery. This is your chance to shape outcomes, influence progress, and contribute to a mission of national importance. We offer relocation packages against all of our submarine roles, subject to eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 25th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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