A UK wide food manufacturing group is seeking a UK Head of Supply Chain to take strategic ownership of its end to end supply chain across multiple sites.

Reporting to the Managing Director and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will design and deliver a UK supply chain strategy that underpins growth, customer service and operational excellence.

The role blends strategy, execution and people leadership, with accountability for planning, logistics, warehousing and third?party operations in a fast paced, chilled FMCG environment.

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.

Senior supply chain leaders from food or beverage manufacturing backgrounds are invited to apply in confidence.  For more information please get in touch for a confidential chat or apply with your CV today.