UK Commodity Manager
Description
General information
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.
Reference
2026-191474Position description
Domain
Production
Job field / Job profile
Supply chain - Supply chain manager
Job title
UK Commodity Manager
Employment type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms.
Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
As part of Safran's global network, joining Safran Actuation Systems UK means becoming part of a highly skilled, collaborative and forward thinking team with opportunities to grow, innovate and make a meaningful impact in the future of aerospace.
Your role:
The Commodity Manager is accountable for the commercial performance, contractual coverage, and strategic relationship management of a defined portfolio of global suppliers supporting the Wolverhampton and Banbury manufacturing facilities. This high-impact role focuses on driving total cost reduction, defining forward-thinking sourcing roadmaps, and conducting legal and commercial negotiations to ensure optimal supply resilience and margin preservation.
As a key role within the team, you'll be empowered & accountable to drive the business forward, owning and resolving strategic issues, driving improvements forward, whilst communicating progress to stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
• Define and execute commodity strategy. Develop multi-year lifecycle strategies for the assigned portfolio (e.g., Machining, Casting, Forging, or Raw Materials) aligned with Safran's global commodity team
• Supplier panel management, rationalise, shape, and manage the supplier panel base to balance risk, optimise commercial leverage, and meet future technology needs
• Market trend analysis, actively monitor macro-market conditions, geopolitical supply risks, and raw material index shifts to safeguard the site against inflationary spikes
• Contract negotiation and enforcement. Draft, validate, and execute complex Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and price frameworks
• Drive cost-saving initiatives. Own the total cost of ownership (TCO) savings funnel, leveraging tools such as benchmarking, cost-modelling, and value engineering
• Bid Support, execute detailed cost analysis and pricing projections to support incoming Civil and Military project bids
• Lead quarterly business reviews (QBRs). Convene and lead formal performance reviews with executive-level supplier leadership, bridging systemic gaps in delivery or commercial alignment
• Understand the supplier impact to site and create an exit strategy if a supplier is systemically a poor performer
But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.)
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you, both in and out of work, including:
• 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
• We support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities.
Candidate skills & requirements
What You'll Bring:
• Proven strategic purchasing background managing complex technical portfolios like machining, castings, forgings, or raw aerospace materials.
• Demonstrable experience structuring high-value, legally binding contracts and commercial frameworks.
• Proven ability to navigate matrix structures and build consensus between engineering, operations, finance, and quality.
• Proficient in translating raw spend datasets, cost-breakdowns, and industry trends into clear strategic directions.
Here, we craft excellence together.
We understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
We know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.
Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
Position location
Job location
Europe, UK, England, West Midlands