What is the job?

This pivotal role is both strategic and tactical, driving the optimisation of material flow across the entire supply chain for a complex electro-mechanical manufacturing operation. As the leader of the Purchasing, Planning, and Supplier Quality Engineering teams, the Strategic Supply Chain Manager ensures seamless supply, demand management, quality control, and on-time delivery within the Motion Control Business Unit.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am – 4.30pm

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in relevant field
• MCIPS or other recognised supply chain management qualification
• Previous supply chain management experience, preferably in electronics or similar scientific manufacturing industry
• Experience in Supplier quality development and working with suppliers to meet agreed quality standards
• Negotiation skills to secure favourable terms with suppliers and resolve conflicts
• Strategic and holistic approach to data analysis that draws out actionable insights
• Commercial mindset focused on financial impact of decisions
• Strong knowledge of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) & Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
• Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) would be beneficial
• Understanding of Lean principles and their practical implementation within the supply chain, with the ability to coach suppliers to adopt lean principles (including but not limited to SMED, PFEP, EPEI, and pull)
• Strong organisation and project management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in ERP supply chain software (eg. Microsoft D365) and MS Office

What we would like you to do/ to see…

Key Responsibilities – Functional (80% Focus)

• Design and implement supply chain strategies that connect activities across Purchasing, Planning, and Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) teams to streamline processes, improve productivity, optimise flow, and minimise inventory costs
• Lead and support SQE efforts to engage the Thorlabs supply chain, embedding best practices that eliminate waste, prevent defects, reduce component variability, secure on-time delivery, and foster continuous improvement.
• Negotiate contracts, monitor supplier performance, and strategically develop the vendor base to sustain the steady introduction of new products, applications, and technologies
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, with a particular focus on key product lines, OEM customers, and new product releases
• Drive the use of ERP capacity planning for tracking scheduled vs. completed work, coaching the team to apply PDCA methodology to diagnose root causes and implement corrective actions for lost production hours
• Manage stock rundown during obsolescence projects while minimising stock write-off
• Conduct regular audits of standard work procedures and coach the team in applying problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys and Ishikawa diagrams to pinpoint root causes of deviations
• Lead the creation of dynamic dashboards that provide actionable insights to support decision-making

Leadership (up to 20% Focus)

• Ensure all team members are safe and are working in line with PPE requirements and safe systems of work
• Ensure teams participate in continuous improvement initiatives that address issues that impact throughput
• Motivate team members and perform regular appraisals or 1-to-1 meetings
• Communicate goals and objectives to team members and utilise resources adequately
• Communicate team briefs to all team members on a regular basis
• Assist management with hiring and training new starters, and provide performance assessments
• Develop strategies to promote team member adherence to company and industry regulations
• Conduct return to work interviews and disciplinary actions (warnings, performance improvement plan, etc.)
• Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members.  Including, the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members.  Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting. 
• Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members.  Including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices. 

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1222

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. 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.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitment@thorlabs.com.

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.