Our client, a well-established and growing organisation operating within the FMCG and food supply chain sector, is seeking a commercially minded and people-focused Supply Chain Manager to lead planning activities, manage a small team, and support continued business growth. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced supply chain professional to take ownership of forecasting, stock optimisation, and supplier coordination within a fast-paced import and distribution environment.
Job Role
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for overseeing demand planning, inventory management, and supplier coordination to ensure customer demand is met efficiently and cost-effectively. Managing a team of Supply Chain Planners, you will play a key role in driving forecast accuracy, improving processes, and supporting the ongoing development of the supply chain function as the business continues to grow.
Working closely with Sales, Procurement, Customer Service, and Logistics teams, you will ensure the smooth flow of imported products from global suppliers through to UK customers, maintaining high service levels and operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
1. Lead, manage, and develop a team of Supply Chain Planners, providing guidance, support, and performance management.
2. Oversee the review and management of sales forecasts, working closely with Commercial teams to improve forecast accuracy.
3. Take ownership of stock management strategy, ensuring inventory levels are optimised in line with business KPIs.
4. Drive reductions in overall stockholding while maintaining high service levels to customers.
5. Oversee daily monitoring of orders and stock levels across third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses.
6. Collaborate with Account Managers and Commercial teams to review forward demand and align supply plans.
7. Lead S&OP processes, developing long-term forecasts and ensuring alignment between demand and supply planning.
8. Ensure demand plans are effectively communicated to Procurement, suppliers, and logistics partners to support capacity planning.
9. Identify and mitigate supply risks, including supplier capacity constraints and logistics challenges.
10. Oversee purchase order processes, supplier confirmations, and any amendments required to maintain supply continuity.
11. Manage inbound logistics and transport planning, ensuring import/export processes and customs requirements are adhered to.
12. Ensure all shipping and customs documentation is accurate, compliant, and processed in a timely manner.
13. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, hauliers, and warehouse partners to ensure cost-effective and reliable supply.
14. Monitor sales performance against forecast, proactively identifying risks and implementing corrective actions.
15. Oversee the management of non-conformance claims with logistics and warehouse partners.
16. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new product launches and packaging changes, ensuring effective supply planning.
17. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across supply chain processes, systems, and reporting.
18. Develop and enhance planning tools, systems, and reporting to support data-driven decision making.
19. Provide leadership support for out-of-hours escalation where required.
20. Support the growth of the supply chain function, with the potential to expand and develop the team over time.
Personal Profile
21. Proven experience in a Supply Chain Manager, Senior Planner, or similar leadership role within FMCG or food distribution.
22. Strong understanding of demand planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations, ideally within an import/export environment.
23. Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring team members.
24. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive informed decisions.
25. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
26. Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
27. Calm and effective under pressure, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.
28. Strong systems knowledge, including Excel and ERP/MRP platforms.
29. A collaborative leader with a continuous improvement mindset.
Benefits include:
30. Opportunities for personal development and career progression
31. Supportive and collaborative working environment
32. Competitive salary and benefits package
Ref Code: W013248