Supply Chain

Whether it's called buying, procurement, purchasing or supply chain management, the art and science of purchasing and supply, form a distinct business discipline which has been recognised as such for more than seventy years. The nature of the Cobham Group - international, technically advanced, diverse in its activities, operating in highly regulated and often sensitive industries, competing for very high value contracts - makes ours an environment in which supply chain professionals are dealing with the disciplines key issues every working day.

At its most basic, Supply Chain exists to furnish Cobham's businesses with the materials and services they need to meet their projects' requirements: from electricity to envelopes to precision-engineered components. This must be done by forming relationships with suppliers who are known to be competent, reliable and consistent in terms of cost, quality and delivery, and working with them to ensure that they continue to perform to expectation. As the name suggests, Supply Chain forms a reinforcing thread from one end of the business - an order - right through to the other - its delivery. We therefore begin with meeting Cobham teams, and their customers, to understand requirements, devise plans and strategies to meet those requirements, then select and commission the right sources.

But the point about Supply Chain at Cobham is that it doesn't stay basic for long. Our people progress along a number of linked but specialised paths, including commodity buying that demands extraordinary technical and market expertise, operational procurement that will pose constant problems for rapid and sure-footed solving, strategic sourcing that seeks logical solutions across multiple Cobham companies... all in a complex and global context that requires a strong awareness of cultural, commercial and operational implications from all people in the team.

Graduates from both engineering and commercial backgrounds may have the numerical, IT, team communication and analytical skills we're looking for, but good buyers have factors in common that are more to do with approach and personality. These are confident, clear, focused negotiators with the ability to work under and withstand pressure and, especially, personal integrity: there are few areas of business in which personal honesty plays a more critical role. Mental and physical stamina are also important: this is a role that could take you to high level, lengthy negotiations overseas, where a packed schedule, unfamiliar conditions and cultural disorientation will not excuse a failure to concentrate on fine details.

Good supply chain solutions save money, ensure quality and secure our reputation for delivery, which is why the Cobham Group will invest in your training in Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply modules as well as broader based business skills development.