At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain operations and drive strategic growth initiatives.
- Company: Join AKT, a dynamic personal performance brand with award-winning products.
- Benefits: Flexible working, gym access, generous holiday allowance, and product allowances.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, creative environment while shaping the future of AKT.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
About AKT
AKT (pronounced “act”) is The Personal Performance Company with multi award-winning body care that may change your life. Founded by West End stars Ed Currie and Andy Coxon, AKT is by and for those who are “Born to Perform” — on the stage, at work, or in life. In 2020, The Deodorant Balm made its stunning debut to rave reviews and awards from Vogue, GQ, Esquire, and Harper’s BAZAAR. Plastic‑free, aluminium‑free, and gender‑free, The Deodorant Balm instantly resonated with those looking for a natural deodorant that genuinely worked. Five fragrances and over 700,000 happy armpits later, The Deodorant Balm is already becoming a household name.
About The Role
The Senior Manager, Supply Chain & Operations operates as the right hand to the Head of Supply Chain & Operations, owning executional leadership across the supply chain while ensuring clear alignment to strategic objectives. The role works closely with Planning, Logistics, Customer Supply Chain, Commercial, Marketing, and Finance, and interfaces with external partners including co‑manufacturers, 3PLs, and key customers as required. The operating environment is fast‑paced and growth‑oriented, with omni‑channel complexity, evolving systems, and a need to balance service, cost, and cash in parallel. This role is expected to streamline priorities, provide clear escalation and decision support, and maintain strong communication loops back to the Head of Supply Chain. Travel is expected on an ad‑hoc basis to suppliers, warehouses, or key partners, typically limited to business‑critical needs.
Requirements
- Role Responsibilities:
- End‑to‑End Supply Chain Leadership: Deliver consistent performance across planning, inventory, logistics, and customer supply chain, ensuring service, cost, and cash objectives are met.
- Lead evolution of S&OP to incorporate strategic planning, cost to serve and scenario modelling for 12–24 month horizon.
- Strategy Execution: Translate operational plans into strategic recommendations for growth, capital allocation and market / channel complexity.
- Financial & Cost Control: Own supply chain budgets, cost drivers and savings initiatives, ensuring accurate COGS and logistics forecasting, robust variance analysis and delivery of margin improvement targets.
- Operational Excellence: Lead continuous improvement initiatives to simplify processes, enhance scalability, strengthen controls and reduce operational risk across planning, logistics and customer operations.
- Wholesale & Channel Readiness: Ensure operational readiness across all channels, including wholesale onboarding, routing compliance, EDI setup and service performance management to support commercial growth.
- Governance & Compliance: Oversee EDI compliance, chargeback prevention, dispute resolution and trading partner adherence to minimise financial leakage and maintain customer compliance standards.
- Stakeholder & Escalation Management: Act as the primary escalation point for internal teams and external partners, resolving critical issues, surfacing risks early and presenting clear mitigation options to senior leadership.
- Team & Capability Development: Build, coach and evolve supply chain capability and leadership depth in line with future scale.
About You
- Deep understanding of end‑to‑End supply chain operations across planning, inventory, logistics and customer supply chain.
- Proven experience operating in a high‑growth, omni‑channel environment with competing priorities.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including ownership of budgets, cost control and working capital.
- Experience acting as escalation point for complex operational, customer or supplier issues.
- Proven stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and external partners.
- Experience managing EDI compliance, wholesale readiness and chargeback prevention.
Benefits (Backstage Perks)
- Flexible working: work from home, at our Oxford Circus office (which comes with gym access) or in co‑working spaces across the UK.
- Monthly team days in London to connect with the AKT ensemble.
- A funny, kind and inclusive work environment.
- Allowance for products to give you the confidence to step onto the stage and perform.
- Intervals encouraged: 36 days holiday, including bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time roles).
- Pension contribution matching via salary sacrifice up to 5% of your salary.
Everybody Is Welcome!
AKT London is for everyone. We believe that an inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. Our products are gender free and built for every BODY to help give them the confidence to step onto their stage – whatever that may be – and PERFORM. Our work environment is no different. AKT London is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Senior Manager, Supply Chain and Operations employer: AKT London
AKT is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and inclusivity, offering a vibrant work culture where every team member can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to personal growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Join us in London and be part of a collective that values diversity and supports your journey to perform at your best, both on and off the stage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Supply Chain and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the supply chain and operations field, especially those who work at AKT or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching AKT’s products and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of performance and inclusivity. Tailor your answers to reflect their culture and what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering competency questions. This will help you articulate your past experiences clearly and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression and show us that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Supply Chain and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at AKT and how you can contribute to our growth. Make it personal and relatable!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Take the time to tailor it to the Senior Manager, Supply Chain and Operations role. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your skills in supply chain leadership and operational excellence. We love seeing how you fit into our world!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about AKT and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at AKT London
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of end-to-end supply chain operations. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding of planning, inventory, logistics, and customer supply chain management.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about how you've translated operational plans into strategic recommendations in previous roles. Think of concrete examples where your insights led to growth or improved efficiency, especially in a high-growth, omni-channel environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since this role involves owning budgets and cost control, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial forecasting and variance analysis. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed costs while still achieving operational goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Highlight your experience in managing relationships with internal teams and external partners. Be ready to share stories about how you've resolved complex issues and influenced senior leaders, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and drive results.
