Supply Chain Manager in Derby

Job Requirements

Department: Supply Chain / Operations

Reports To: Plant Manager

Direct Reports: 1 x Planner, 1 x Shipping clerk, 2 x Stores clerks

Location: Derby (Plant Based)

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday (Full Time)

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

Purpose of the Role

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for leading all site purchasing activities, managing inbound and outbound logistics, and ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant flow of materials, components, and finished goods. The role provides strategic and operational leadership to the site’s supply chain activities, ensuring supplier performance, delivery reliability, inventory control, and alignment with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & KPI Management
  • Drive the delivery of the facility’s strategic plan within the supply chain function.
  • Own and manage supply chain-related KPIs, ensuring alignment with site objectives and targets.
  • Monitor performance against strategic goals and implement corrective actions where required.
  • Provide regular KPI reports to the Plant Manager and senior leadership team.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Purchasing & Supplier Management
  • Lead and oversee all purchasing activities for the site.
  • Work with the Purchasing Administrator to ensure purchase orders are raised, tracked, and followed up in line with company procedures.
  • Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring consistent delivery performance and quality.
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and lead times with suppliers.
  • Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Source and evaluate new suppliers to support business needs and cost reduction initiatives.
• Inbound Logistics
  • Manage inbound deliveries, ensuring materials and components arrive on time and in full.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and freight forwarders to optimise lead times and cost.
  • Oversee all customs, import compliance, and shipping documentation requirements.
  • Ensure inbound goods are booked into the warehouse efficiently and accurately.
• Outbound Logistics & Customer Communication
  • Lead outbound shipping operations to meet OTIF (On-Time-In-Full) customer delivery targets.
  • Manage relationships with transport providers to ensure cost-effective, reliable service.
  • Ensure all dispatch documentation is accurate and compliant.
  • Provide regular communication to customers regarding shipment status — whether early, on-time, or delayed — and agree on any required actions.
  • Resolve delivery issues, delays, and customer concerns promptly.
• Team Leadership
  • Line manage 3 logistics team members, ensuring clear priorities and responsibilities.
  • Direct and support the Purchasing Administrator to ensure accurate and timely processing of orders.
  • Conduct regular team meetings to review performance, priorities, and improvement plans.
  • Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities for the team.
• Operational Excellence
  • Maintain optimal inventory levels while ensuring operational continuity.
  • Ensure all supply chain processes comply with company policies, health & safety standards, and legal requirements.
  • Support audits and compliance checks as required.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in supply chain, purchasing, and logistics management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of inbound/outbound freight and warehouse operations.
• Experience in supplier negotiations, contract management, and customer communication.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver against strategic objectives and KPI targets.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop teams.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP experience desirable).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and operational execution
• Supplier and customer relationship management
• Negotiation and cost control
• Logistics planning and coordination
• KPI tracking and performance improvement
• Team leadership and development
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Stock reduction and stock Turns 15 times a year.
• SIOP track record

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.