Supply Chain Lead (UK + US)
Isembard
Operations
Posted on Mar 23, 2026
⚱️
Supply Chain Lead (UK + US)
Job Title: Supply Chain Lead
Location: London (travel across UK, US and Europe)
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive
Equity: Benchmarked
About Isembard
Isembard is building a distributed network of high-performance factories for critical industries. We combine advanced machine tools, robotics and proprietary software (MasonOS) to manufacture precision components for aerospace, defence, energy and frontier technology companies.
Our ambition is to scale a global owner-operator franchise network capable of delivering speed, resilience and industrial capacity where it matters most.
Our values:
If not now, when
Follow the five maxims
Humour and humility
Role Overview
We are looking for a high-agency operator to build and scale Isembard’s supply chain across a distributed network of owned and franchised factories.
You will own sourcing, structuring and operationalising the supply base — spanning machine tools, tooling, materials and subcontract manufacturing. This role is about building a fast, resilient and scalable supply chain that becomes a competitive advantage.
You will work cross-functionally with software (MasonOS), demand and operations to standardise, automate and continuously improve how supply is sourced, qualified and deployed across the network.
Key Responsibilities
Build and scale the supply base
Own supplier sourcing across:
machine tools (OEMs, distributors, financing partners)
cutting tools and consumables
raw materials (metals, specialist alloys)
subcontract manufacturers (overflow / capability gaps)
Define and continuously refine supplier selection criteria (cost, lead time, quality, reliability, scalability)
Build deep relationships with key strategic suppliers
Operationalise supply across the network
Design and implement repeatable procurement playbooks for:
new site launches (owned + franchise)
ongoing operations
Standardise supplier onboarding, qualification and performance tracking
Ensure supply chain consistency across owned sites and franchisees
Automate and integrate with MasonOS
Work with the software team to embed supply chain into MasonOS:
RFQ → supplier matching → ordering → delivery tracking
Build systems for real-time visibility on pricing, lead times and availability
Reduce manual workflows through automation and data-driven decision making
Drive performance, cost and resilience
Track and optimise key metrics (cost, lead time, on-time delivery, supplier quality)
Build redundancy across critical supply categories
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (single-source, geopolitical, capacity constraints)
Support scaling across geographies
Build supply chain capability across UK → US → Europe
Localise supplier networks where needed while maintaining global standards
Support franchisees in sourcing and procurement decisions
Required Experience
Strong track record in supply chain, procurement or operations in manufacturing or high intensity operational environments
Experience building or scaling supply chains in complex, multi-site environments
Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous, early-stage settings
Strong commercial judgment and negotiation capability
Preferred
Experience in aerospace, defence or other high-precision regulated industries
Experience working with CNC or precision manufacturing environments
Exposure to software-enabled or data-driven supply chain systems
Experience supporting distributed or franchise-style operations
What We Offer
Ownership of supply chain across a global network of factories
Founder-level exposure and autonomy
Opportunity to build a software-integrated, next-generation industrial supply chain
Direct impact on the speed, cost and quality of manufacturing for critical industries