Head of Supply Chain

Key responsibilities

• Shape and implement a UK wide supply chain strategy that drives service, efficiency and cost effectiveness while supporting the broader business plan.
• Provide a strong voice at SLT level on supply chain investment, performance and future capability, leading transformation, digitalisation and ERP optimisation initiatives.
• Design the supply chain organisation and resource model to meet current and future needs across all UK sites.
• Oversee supply and production planning, ensuring materials, stock and capacity are aligned to customer demand and commercial plans.
• Lead inventory management, warehousing, distribution, transport and third party storage to deliver robust performance and minimise risk, cost and disruption.
• Own supply chain KPIs, developing and embedding a continuous improvement culture across all locations.
• Act as senior escalation point for key customers on supply chain and service issues, protecting relationships and reputation.
• Build strong cross functional partnerships with Operations, Commercial, Finance, Technical, NPD and Purchasing to ensure fully integrated planning and execution.
• Manage strategic relationships with 3PLs, hauliers and other supply chain partners, ensuring they meet contractual, performance and compliance expectations.
• Own the UK supply chain budget, delivering cost control and productivity improvements while maintaining service and compliance standards.
• Provide regular financial reporting and forecasting for supply chain activities, identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency gains.
• Lead risk management and contingency planning across the multi site network, including business continuity and peak period planning.

Leadership and culture

• Lead, coach and inspire supply chain teams across planning, warehousing, logistics and distribution, creating a high performance culture.
• Build capability and succession plans, developing future leaders and specialist expertise within the function.
• Set clear objectives, manage performance and foster accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Drive engagement initiatives that retain and attract high performing talent in a competitive FMCG market.
• Ensure all teams operate safely and compliantly, working closely with Health & Safety and Technical colleagues.
• Undertake any additional leadership responsibilities required by the Managing Director to support the wider UK agenda.

Compliance, quality and risk

• Ensure all supply chain activities comply with regulatory, quality and customer standards, including GFSI/BRC and major retailer requirements.
• Maintain strong controls and governance across warehousing, logistics and third?party operations to protect product integrity and service levels.
• Embed structured risk and contingency plans across all UK sites and external partners.

Candidate profile

• Extensive senior supply chain leadership experience in FMCG or food and drink manufacturing, ideally including chilled or temperature controlled operations.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi site UK supply chains with responsibility for planning, logistics, warehousing and transport.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable experience of budget management, cost control and influencing P&L performance.
• Evidence of leading supply chain transformation, digitalisation and continuous improvement programmes.
• Confident working with ERP and advanced planning systems, using data and analytics to drive decisions.
• Deep understanding of food industry regulatory, retailer and quality standards.
• Strategic thinker with strong leadership presence and excellent stakeholder management at SLT and operational levels.
• Highly effective people leader and coach, with strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable operating in a fast?moving, multi?site environment.