Supply Chain Operations Manager

Operations & Supply Chain Manager

Location: Leeds, UK

Working Arrangement: Full-time | Primarily On-Site

Salary: £45,000–£50,000

About the Company

Our client is an innovative biotechnology and advanced manufacturing company developing next-generation dissolvable microneedle patch technology and the automated systems used to manufacture, load and package these products. As the business continues to grow, they are expanding their engineering, laboratory and manufacturing operations and are looking for an Operations & Supply Chain Manager to help build the operational foundations that will support this exciting growth.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing, technology-driven business at an exciting stage of its journey. As the Operations & Supply Chain Manager, you will take ownership of procurement, supplier management, inventory, logistics and operational coordination, ensuring engineering and scientific teams have everything they need to deliver projects efficiently.

This is a hands-on role offering significant responsibility, autonomy and direct exposure to senior leadership. You'll play a key part in building scalable operational processes while helping shape the future of the business.

Key Responsibilities

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• Manage supplier sourcing for equipment, components, materials and external services.
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• Obtain, compare and negotiate supplier quotations to achieve the best value and service.
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• Raise, manage and track purchase orders from placement through to delivery.
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• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, costs and supply risks.
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• Maintain supplier, purchasing and contractor records.
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• Develop and manage inventory controls, stock levels and replenishment processes.
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• Forecast material requirements to support engineering, laboratory and manufacturing activities.
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• Coordinate incoming goods, international shipments, imports and customs documentation.
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• Maintain integrated project plans covering engineering, manufacturing, laboratory and supplier activities.
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• Track project milestones, budgets, risks, actions and dependencies.
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• Coordinate recruitment administration, including job adverts, candidate communications, interview scheduling and onboarding.
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• Manage equipment servicing, maintenance schedules and external contractors.
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• Provide regular operational updates, reports and risk assessments to senior leadership.
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• Work closely with the Quality team to support supplier qualification and purchasing compliance.
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• Continuously improve operational processes to reduce administrative burden and increase efficiency.
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About You

We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving operational challenges and can confidently manage multiple priorities. You'll be proactive, highly organised and comfortable taking ownership of a broad range of operational activities.

Essential Skills & Experience

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• Experience within Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain, Project Coordination or Manufacturing.
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• Proven experience managing suppliers and purchasing activities.
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• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
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• Confident negotiating quotations and resolving supplier or delivery issues.
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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• High attention to detail with excellent record-keeping abilities.
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• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and confidence using business systems.
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• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
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• Comfortable working within a fast-paced startup or growing business environment.
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• Full right to work in the UK.
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Desirable Experience

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• Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Robotics or Advanced Manufacturing.
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• Engineering components, bespoke equipment or contract manufacturing.
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• Bills of Materials (BOMs) and technical drawings.
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• International shipping, customs and import/export processes.
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• ERP, procurement or inventory management systems.
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• Experience working within ISO 13485, ISO 9001 or other regulated quality environments.
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• Recruitment coordination and employee onboarding.
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Don't worry if you don't tick every box. We're looking for someone with strong operational judgement, a proactive mindset and the ability to build practical, scalable systems within a growing business.

What's on Offer?

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• Salary of £45,000–£50,000.
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• A pivotal role within an innovative biotechnology and advanced manufacturing company.
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• Significant ownership and autonomy from day one.
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• Direct collaboration with founders and senior leadership.
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• Exposure to cutting-edge biotechnology, robotics and automated manufacturing.
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• The opportunity to build and improve operational systems that will support long-term company growth.
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• Clear progression opportunities towards a Head of Operations position as the business expands.
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If you're an organised, commercially minded operations professional who enjoys building processes, managing suppliers and helping innovative businesses scale, we'd love to hear from you.