Role: Supply Chain Manager CI & Innovation (Ref: 192942)
Location: Hybrid (2-3 days on a site/distribution centre - Stowmarket based with Travel)
Salary: up to £60k per annum
Contact: annabel.hotchkiss@forsythbarnes.com
Overview of the Supply Chain Manager CI & Innovation
Looking for a new challenge?
We’re seeking a Supply Chain Continuous Improvement & Innovation Manager to join our clients Supply Chain leadership team. This newly created role is pivotal in driving transformation across our network, enabling growth, enhancing service levels, and reducing costs through cutting-edge innovation and process optimisation.
You will be responsible for the Continuous Improvement in the newly formed Supply chain Transformation function!
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate, analytical, and customer-obsessed leader to join our senior leadership team. This newly created, high-impact role is pivotal in ensuring our supply chain supports business growth, innovation, and operational excellence across both our high street and online retail operations.
You’ll lead the development and execution of optimisation strategies that balance cost, speed, and quality—empowering the business to remain agile, proactive, and aligned in a fast-paced retail environment. This is a field-based operational role with visibility across senior stakeholders and a remit to drive short-term improvements, medium-term structural change, and long-term innovation.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and execute a roadmap for continuous improvement and innovation across our supply chain network.
* Identify and implement initiatives that enhance cost, speed, and quality.
* Introduce automation and mechanisation to elevate service levels and operational efficiency.
* Partner with procurement, logistics, IT, and operations to deliver scalable solutions.
* Establish KPIs, track performance, and present insights to senior leadership.
* Ensure our network is resilient, flexible, and ready to scale with business demands.
* Deep dive into operational performance to identify and solve problems.
* Build resilience and agility across seasonal cycles.
* Conduct network modelling to align with strategic goals.
* Launch CI culture and standardise improvements across the network.
* Develop future network scenarios to support strategic decision-making.
* Support commercialisation through supply chain capabilities.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, or similar.
* 5–10 years in supply chain network performance or planning leadership roles.
* Experience in retail and omnichannel environments, including FMCG.
* Strong understanding of network optimisation, planning, inventory, and execution.
* Advanced Microsoft Excel and Office Suite skills.
Essential Skills
* Strong organisational and governance skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills, including to executive board level.
* High-energy self-starter with a collaborative and hands-on approach.
* Proven ability to influence and manage senior stakeholders.
* Strong analytical thinking and data interpretation skills.
* Demonstrated project management and decision-making capabilities.
* Familiarity with retail-specific challenges such as seasonal trends and promotional cycles.
Desirable
* Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and speed.
* Financial background and P&L responsibility.
* Experience with tools such as Supply Chain Guru, Data Guru, SAP APO/IBP.