Supply Chain Manager
40 Hours p/w
At A F Blakemore & Son Ltd, we’re looking for an ambitious Supply Chain Manager to take charge of our end-to-end operations and turn performance into profit. This is your opportunity to optimise efficiency, cut costs, and unlock new income streams across primary transport, backhaul, pallet storage, tray rental, and network centralisation.
Working at the heart of the business, you’ll partner with commercial and logistics teams to build smarter, more sustainable routes to market, while leading a team that keeps everything moving. If you’re driven by results, thrive on opportunity, and want to make a visible impact across the entire AFB Group, this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
Supply chain strategy and leadership
Income generation and cost reduction
Financial management
Systems, data insight and transformation
People leadership
Compliance and governance
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability
Core Competancies
1. Negotiation skills
2. Ability to analyse and interpret large data sets to inform decision making
3. Operational understanding of the AFB business end to end
4. Strategic thinking and commercial awareness
5. Change leadership and delivery focus
6. Collaboration and cross-functional working
7. Problem-solving and sound judgement
8. Personal drive, integrity, and accountability
Person Specification
Essential
9. Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
10. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insight into action.
11. Excellent organisational and problem-solving capabilities.
12. Experience and proven track record in supplier negotiations and collaboration
13. Strong project and programme management capability
14. Experience delivering cost and service improvements in complex operational environments
15. Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
16. Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate insight into action
Desirable
17. Postgraduate or professional qualification in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or Project Management (e.g. CIPS, ILM, Masters)
18. SPAR UK / SPAR International Understanding
19. Proven experience in change management, or continuous improvement within supply chain.
20. Experience working in food retail, wholesale, or FMCG supply chains
About us:
At A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, we’re proud of our heritage, but even more excited about our future. What started in Wolverhampton in 1917 as a small, family-run grocery store has grown into one of the UK’s largest privately owned businesses, employing over 5,000 people and generating a turnover of £1.2 billion. We combine the strength of a global brand, while maintaining the values of a family business. We’re constantly evolving, always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and support our colleagues, making this an exciting place to build your career.
Today, we operate at the heart of communities across the UK, with 243 SPAR convenience stores and a thriving business spanning retail, food service, and wholesale distribution. Food and drink remain at the core of everything we do, driving our passion for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences.
SPAR is the world’s largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 13,800 stores in 48 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UK’s leading convenience store group. Being a ‘symbol’ group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being a part of a global brand.
Inclusive environment: as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.