Supply Chain & Operations Director – Global Consumer Sports & Electronics Brand
Location: UK
Travel: Regular travel to Asia required
Function: Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations
The Company:
We are partnering with a fast‑growing global sports & leisure manufacturer with a 45‑year heritage in engineered products and a rapidly expanding international footprint. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad range of sports equipment, accessories, and newly introduced digital consumer products, supplying major markets across the UK, Europe (especially DACH), the US, and Asia.
The Role: Supply Chain & Operations Director
A senior, strategically oriented leadership position reporting to the COO.
You will own:
The performance of the Asia-based manufacturing operation
Including P&L partnership, cost control, CapEx planning, efficiency initiatives, and continuous improvement of the Tianjin factory.
2. The commercial & strategic ownership of all third‑party suppliers
Including selection, contract negotiation, exclusivity agreements, and governance frameworks across the multi-category supply base.
You’ll also shape the supply-side of a major operating model transformation, ensuring the business has the processes, suppliers, production capability, and freight model required to scale globally.
This is a role for someone who can think strategically, operate commercially, and influence cross‑continent teams - while still being hands‑on enough to solve complex manufacturing and sourcing challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Third‑Party Supplier Strategy & Commercial Leadership
* Own supplier selection, evaluation and onboarding across all product categories.
* Lead pricing, contract, and exclusivity negotiations with key partners.
* Build a structured governance model across a ~15‑supplier network.
* Oversee supplier readiness for new categories (consumer electronics, licensed goods).
* Act as escalation point for all major supplier issues.
* Provide strategic direction to the Asia Supply Chain Operations Manager.
Operating Model Transition (MTS/MTO & Freight Strategy)
* Lead the shift from air‑freighted MTO to hybrid MTS/MTO.
* Develop stockholding, factory scheduling and production planning frameworks.
* Drive conversion from air to sea freight for stocked items.
* Enable consolidated FOB China shipments for multi‑product containers.
* Input into EU/US logistics network design in partnership with the COO.
New Product Launch Readiness
* Partner with Product Development on tooling, sampling, and supplier qualification.
* Assess supply chain risks early in the roadmap.
* Oversee launch readiness for complex licensed and consumer electronics products.
* Maintain robust risk management across factory and supplier base.
Asia Manufacturing Leadership (Factory P&L, CapEx & CI)
* Support factory leadership with budgeting, cost modelling, and P&L insight.
* Assist in building the CapEx roadmap (automation, machinery, capacity).
* Support efficiency improvements and operational excellence initiatives.
* Align factory capacity with commercial growth and product pipeline.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
* Manage and develop the Asia Supply Chain Operations Manager.
* Partner closely with the Head of S&OP to integrate supply/demand planning.
* Work collaboratively with the Finance Director on modelling, CapEx, and working capital.
* Provide supply‑side recommendations for network, logistics, and investment decisions.
* Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual supply chain reporting.
Candidate Profile
Experience
* Senior supply chain/manufacturing leadership experience within consumer products.
* Direct accountability for manufacturing P&L and/or factory operations.
* Strong supplier commercial negotiation expertise.
* Experience managing significant operating model transitions (MTO→MTS, freight shifts, FOB).
* Deep familiarity with China‑origin supply chains, logistics, and manufacturing.
* Experience with consumer electronics, multi-SKU launches, or licensed product categories.
Skills & Attributes
* Financially literate, commercially sharp, strong with P&L and CapEx.
* Strategic thinker who can translate vision into operational reality.
* Strong negotiator and relationship builder - internally and externally.
* Skilled people leader with cross‑cultural management experience.
* Thrives in a fast-scaling, dynamic, entrepreneurial organisation.
* Comfortable with complexity, pace and frequent travel to Asia.
Why This Role?
* Shape the global supply chain architecture of a rapidly scaling brand.
* Own the transformation of a factory, a supplier ecosystem, and the global operating model.
* Play a central role in the company’s shift into consumer electronics and high-growth product categories.
* Influence board‑level decisions and global expansion strategy.
Package:
£120,000 + Bonus