Supply Chain Planning Lead (Permanent) in Manchester

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and growing organisation with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Following continued growth, they are seeking a Supply Chain Team Leader to join their Manchester-based team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Supply Chain professional who is looking to take the next step in their career.

The Role

As Supply Chain Team Leader, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day supply chain and customer service functions, ensuring customer orders are managed effectively from receipt through to delivery. You will lead a small team, drive operational excellence and ensure service levels are achieved whilst maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Acting as a key link between Sales, Customer Service, Finance, Procurement and Operations, you will play a vital role in ensuring products, inventory and customer demand are managed efficiently.

This role combines people leadership with operational responsibility and offers excellent opportunities for future career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, coach and motivate a small Supply Chain & Customer Service team.
• Create a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and development discussions.
• Support employee training, onboarding and continuous development.
• Set clear performance expectations and monitor progress against objectives.
• Recognise and celebrate individual and team achievements.
• Manage workloads effectively to ensure resources are aligned with business priorities.
• Provide guidance and support when resolving customer, supplier or operational issues.
• Act as a role model for professionalism, customer service and company values.
• Drive employee engagement and encourage continuous improvement across the team.
• Supply Chain Management
• Manage the end-to-end flow of customer orders through the supply chain.
• Maintain ownership of the order book, ensuring customer demand is accurately captured and fulfilled.
• Monitor supply and demand requirements, identifying potential risks and implementing solutions.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure products are delivered in line with customer expectations.
• Ensure accurate processing of orders, amendments and returns.
• Support inventory management and stock availability planning.
• Monitor delivery performance and service levels, ensuring OTIF targets are achieved.
• Investigate and resolve supply chain issues quickly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate records and data within ERP and business systems.
• Stakeholder & Customer Management
• Build strong relationships with internal departments including Sales, Finance, Procurement and Operations.
• Act as the key point of contact for supply chain escalations and operational issues.
• Ensure clear communication regarding order status, supply risks and customer commitments.
• Support customer meetings and provide updates on supply chain performance where required.
• Deliver a high standard of customer service and maintain strong business relationships.
• Continuous Improvement & Reporting
• Produce and analyse operational reports and KPI data.
• Monitor service levels, order accuracy, delivery performance and team productivity.
• Identify trends, bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Drive process improvements that increase efficiency and enhance customer service.
• Support business projects aimed at improving operational performance and customer experience.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve systems, processes and ways of working.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience working within a Supply Chain, Logistics, Planning, Procurement, Customer Service or Order Management environment.
• Strong understanding of supply chain processes, customer demand and order fulfilment.
• Experience managing high volumes of customer orders and competing priorities.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems.
• A proactive and customer-focused approach.
• A desire to lead, develop and support others.

Desirable

• Previous experience supervising, mentoring or coaching colleagues.
• Exposure to demand planning, forecasting or inventory management.
• Supply Chain, Business or Operations qualification.
• Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing, distribution or commercial environment.
• Continuous improvement or process optimisation experience.

Leadership Qualities

We are looking for an individual who demonstrates:

• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop others.
• A hands-on leadership style with a willingness to support the wider team.
• Strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence when making decisions and managing priorities.
• Accountability and ownership for team and operational performance.
• Resilience and adaptability within a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to lead by example and promote a positive team culture.
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

What's on Offer

• Salary of £35,000 – £40,000 DOE
• Genuine opportunity to progress into management and leadership.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and wider business operations.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Long-term career progression opportunities within a growing business.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free onsite parking.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Office Based