Job Description

About the Opportunity

As Supply Chain Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and optimising our end-to-end supply chain. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you'll lead strategic procurement, inventory control, and purchasing operations while overseeing Noria, Warranty, Pool, and Logistics activities that keep our production and commercial goals on track. This is a high-impact role where your ability to drive efficiency, ensure on-time delivery, and uphold quality standards will directly contribute to our success, while aligning the supply chain with the company's broader strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities

As the Supply Chain Manager, you will be responsible for leading and optimising key supply chain functions across inventory, logistics, procurement, and team management to support production and commercial goals. Your main responsibilities will include:

Inventory Planning & Management:

• Develop and maintain accurate inventory forecasts aligned with business needs
• Balance customer demand with inventory levels to optimise availability and minimise excess stock
• Analyse consumption patterns, seasonal trends, and market dynamics
• Manage repairable and unserviceable inventory, including buy-back processes
• Monitor inventory usage to identify obsolescence risks and recommend solutions
• Maintain stock accuracy through cycle counts, stocktakes, and proactive replenishment strategies
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve issues, improve service levels, and support sourcing initiatives

Logistics Management:

• Oversee transportation services, including providers, freight costs, customs compliance, and export controls
• Ensure timely delivery of products and materials while optimising shipping efficiency
• Support warehousing operations, including material handling, storage, and dispatch
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in logistics and warehouse processes

Purchasing & Procurement:

• Maintain accurate supplier records and oversee onboarding of new vendors
• Manage requests for quotations (RFQs) and source suppliers to meet business requirements
• Maintain purchase orders and monitor subcontracted repair activities
• Evaluate vendor performance against quality, delivery, and cost standards

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, coach, and manage the supply chain team to achieve high performance
• Manage staff qualifications, training, leave, and performance management
• Provide backup support to Procurement Coordinator, Warehouse Supervisor, and Noria/Warranty/Pool Coordinator as required

Job Requirements

Skills & Qualifications

We're seeking a proactive leader with a passion for aviation and proven supply chain expertise. To be successful, you'll bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience (5+ years in supply chain)
• Aviation industry experience, ideally with technical knowledge of gas turbine engines
• At least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role
• A strong track record in aviation supply chain or logistics roles
• Solid knowledge of Incoterms, export controls, customs, and aviation regulations
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information and clearly articulate outcomes
• The confidence to present data in clear, actionable ways to support decision-making

Our Ideal Candidate

• Proactive, motivated, and reliable with a strong work ethic
• High-level interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build and maintain positive working relationships locally and globally
• Decisive and self-starting, with energy and motivation to lead in a dynamic environment
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence outcomes effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to articulate ideas clearly
• High attention to detail and strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects concurrently
• Flexible and adaptable approach to tasks and working hours
• Ability to work autonomously while actively contributing as a team player
• Logical thinker with a proactive approach and willingness to learn new tasks
• Commitment to continuous improvement in all work-related areas
• Understanding of our products, or the ability to quickly learn
• Dependable, reliable, and capable of following through on tasks to completion
• Committed to teamwork, sharing knowledge, and contributing constructively to organisational goals

To Apply

All applications should include a covering letter and up to date CV and be submitted to the attention of Human Resources quoting reference number SCM0925.

To submit your application on our website it is best to use a desktop. If you have any issues submitting your application please contact Jessica on 02 9796 6600.

SAFRAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the skills, experience, and personal qualities of all our people and select candidates based on merit. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Candidates must currently have the legal right to work in Australia to be eligible to apply for this position. Please note all final applicants for this position will be asked to complete a national police check.

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world's leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.