VP Supply Chain Management EWIS

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The purpose of this role is to create the vision and strategy for the Supply Chain Management function. You will lead a team of functional experts and operational SCM professionals to deliver the EWIS strategy and business objectives. This includes developing and deploying standards (people, process, and tools), ensuring performance is monitored and aligned to business targets, and performing all Talent Management activities to attract, develop, and retain talent.

The scope of the role covers the whole EWIS business and includes end-to-end information flow from customers to suppliers, including planning (Integrated Business Planning), production scheduling, inventory management, end-to-end logistics (inbound, internal, and outbound), and network design. The VP of Global Supply Chain for EWIS is a strategic executive role responsible for leading and optimizing the end-to-end supply chain operations across multiple international sites. This includes procurement, logistics, supplier management, inventory control, and compliance, with a specialized focus on wiring systems used in aerospace applications.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global supply chain strategies aligned with EWIS goals and standards. By implementing CDC, reduce 15M WIC and recurrent 1M ongoing, consolidating shipments to the sites and reducing complexity.
• Lead transformation initiatives to improve agility, resilience, and cost-effectiveness across the wiring supply chain (CDC).
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers of wiring components, connectors, harnesses, and related materials.
• Negotiate long-term agreements ensuring quality, delivery reliability, and cost competitiveness.
• Oversee global procurement, logistics, and inventory management functions.
• Implement lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace regulations (e.g., AS9100, ITAR). AS9100 is a quality management system standard specific to the aerospace and defence industry. ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) are U.S. regulations controlling the export of defense-related articles and services.
• Drive digitalization of supply chain processes including ERP, PLM, and supplier portals.
• Leverage data analytics and AI tools for demand forecasting, risk mitigation, and performance tracking.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to align supply chain capabilities with product development and production needs.
• Support new program launches and ramp-ups with robust supply chain planning.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including geopolitical, environmental, and supplier disruptions.
• Promote sustainable sourcing practices and ethical supplier conduct.
• Role model a culture that is aligned to the GKN Aerospace and EWIS “Great Place to Work” value drivers and Culture Principles.
• Responsible for providing a safe working environment for SCM employees and for all employees in the logistic areas (receiving, warehousing, material handling, and shipping).
• Accountable for the management of a team composed of experts and operational SCM professionals (leadership, target setting, performance review, talent management, organizational planning, recruiting/on-boarding, training, and development).
• Accountable for the standards (people, process, tools) and execution:

• Perform Integrated Business Planning
• Plan Operations
• Create Materials Plans
• Create and manage master production schedule
• Plan distribution requirements
• Establish distribution planning constraints
• Review distribution planning policies
• Schedule production
• Schedule production operations
• Manage logistics and warehousing (all activities)

• Partially accountable for the Working Capital performance. Provide inputs/guidance on end-to-end WC capital strategies, metrics, and review process.
• Play a key role in the inventory performance (DIO).
• Accountable for the Delivery performance to the customer.
• Accountable for orchestrating the Integrated Business Planning process at all levels of the organization (all top line functions).
• Accountable for the total cost of the SCM function and the delivery of financial targets for the function (headcount, budgets, etc.).
• Provide inputs to the global footprint decisions through network design activities.
• Member of the Leadership Team.

Job Qualifications

Essential:

• A recognized expert in the field of end-to-end Supply Chain Management with professional curriculum and certification (e.g., APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).
• Typically, 15+ years’ experience with international exposure in a similar role, proven track record; if English is not the mother tongue, must be bilingual.
• High level of expertise in most of the following: successfully implemented CDC, Forecasting & Demand Planning, Scheduling and Execution, Master Data Management, Internal Flows and Warehousing, Project Management, Strategic Planning, SIOP/MPS/MRP, Inventory Management, Strategy & CI planning, Performance Monitoring, Network & Talent Management, Industry & Product acumen, Budget Management & Finance acumen, Leveraging IT solutions, Lean mindset & business excellence, End-to-End Supply Chain Management.
• Understanding of all interactions at the top level and operationally related to the flow of information (customers to suppliers), and the management of internal and external resources (people and manufacturing capabilities).

Desirable:

• Background in Operations and/or Programmes management.
• Connected to SCM best practices outside the scope of GKNA (e.g., public speaker, conferences, etc.).
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, or Business; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Proven track record and minimum of 10+ years of senior leadership experience in aerospace supply chain management, ideally in wiring or electrical systems.
• Proven track record of managing global teams and complex supplier networks.
• Deep understanding of (aerospace) wiring specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Experience with wire harness manufacturing, electrical interconnect systems, and aerospace OEM/Tier 1 environments.
• Familiarity with operations in Mexico (e.g., Chihuahua) and Europe.
• Knowledge of digital supply chain tools and Industry 4.0 practices.

What's in it for you

We are committed to offering you a challenge but also a great opportunity to learn and grow. We want to offer you a career that can go in many directions thanks to our breadth of international opportunities. By being part of GKN Fokker Aerospace, which has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry, you will know that you are working towards being the most trusted partner in the aerospace industry. We will support and promote your professional and personal development.

A pleasant and informal working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers.

Next to a competitive package, we will offer you a world of opportunities: we want to see your career fly! We will support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities.

For questions you can contact Mark Streep, at mark.streep@fokker.com