- Up to £80,000 DOE
- London
This leading, multi-award-winning supplier has established itself as a key player in the industry, providing commercial products to supermarkets, major retailers and boutique independents across the globe.
In a competitive market, the company's ambitious growth plans hinge on the strength of its supply chain; a robust, agile, and innovative supply chain is crucial for maintaining their leadership position and responding swiftly to market trends and retailer demands.
The Head of Supply Chain will be instrumental in scaling operations, driving cost efficiencies, and achieving strategic procurement goals. This role is not only about maintaining excellence but also about pioneering new sourcing strategies and developing critical supplier relationships globally.
Key Responsibilities:
Agile and Creative Buying
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies tailored to diverse sales channels, from major grocers to premium independents.
- Foster creativity within the procurement team to support business expansion and customer acquisition.
- Forge strategic partnerships with suppliers to co-create unique, market-leading products.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and closer-to-home production options, focusing on Europe and the Americas.
- Navigate global trade complexities by establishing alternative sourcing in regions such as Mexico and Turkey.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain a diverse, reliable supplier base across multiple regions, including China, Europe, and Vietnam.
- Lead the supplier onboarding process and cultivate strong, strategic relationships, including organizing an annual supplier conference.
- Negotiate favourable terms, ensuring competitive pricing and securing growth rebate schemes and exclusivity agreements.
On-Time Production
- Oversee the entire production process, managing a team that includes teams in Shanghai, ensuring timely and high-quality product output.
- Collaborate with the merchandising team to optimise factory forecasts and capacity planning.
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a dynamic procurement team, promoting a culture of innovative and effective sourcing.
- Provide training and growth opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
Reporting and Analysis
- Manage supplier spend budgets, forecast spending, and present detailed procurement reports to senior management.
- Monitor key commodities and adjust strategies based on market trends and financial indicators.
Factory Audits and Compliance
- Conduct comprehensive factory audits to ensure suppliers meet industry standards and company policies.
- Implement and maintain compliance programs, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Sustainable Procurement
- Drive sustainable product initiatives in response to consumer demand and regulatory changes.
- Collaborate with suppliers to innovate new product categories, such as alternatives to plastic.
- Track and improve sustainability metrics to align with the company's net zero goals.
Qualifications and Experience
- 8+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain roles, with a strong focus on global sourcing, supplier management, and production.
- Significant experience in FMCG is highly desirable.
- Proven leadership skills, with a background in managing and developing teams.
- Expertise in production planning, factory audits, and compliance programs.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in procurement software and data analysis.
- Willingness to travel internationally.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, creative, and strategic leader to make a significant impact on a growing company's global operations. If you're ready to take on a pivotal role in a dynamic environment, please apply today!