At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain network design and optimisation for packed products across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Tate & Lyle, a leader in the food industry with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising supply chains and driving efficiency in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in supply chain design, strong analytical skills, and experience with SAP or similar tools.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- LOCATION OF ROLE
- London: E16 2EW: Hybrid (3 days on site)
- Travel to 3PL / UK T&L sites, as required
ABOUT THE ROLE
Tate & Lyle’s packed production footprint has evolved significantly, with Normanton now playing an expanded role alongside Thames and Plaistow.
The distribution model has not yet been redesigned to reflect this shift, creating rising logistics costs and suboptimal stock positioning.
This role exists to close that gap: the Supply Chain Network Design Manager will own the end-to-end network design for Tate & Lyle Sugars packed products, building the analytical foundations the business needs - cost-to-serve modelling, network performance dashboards, and structured scenario analysis - and working across Planning, Logistics, Commercial and Customer Service to translate network decisions into operational reality.
- POSITION SCOPE
- Network design and optimisation across production sites (Thames, Normanton, Plaistow), distribution centres, and customer delivery points.
- Stock positioning and inventory strategy - what is held where, in what quantity, to minimise cost while maintaining service.
- Inter‑site product flow management, production contingency planning, and translation of network decisions into SAP/IBP planning parameters.
- Cost‑to‑serve modelling, network performance dashboards, and budget vs actuals visibility.
- Scenario modelling supporting strategic decisions: capacity allocation, NPD routing, seasonal flex, and new customer onboarding.
- Interfaces with Planning, Logistics, Customer Service, Commercial, Finance and senior leadership through Exec S&OP.
- POSITION STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND KEY DELIVERABLES
- Own the end-to-end supply chain network design for packed products - defining what is packed where, where stock is held, and where orders ship from - and maintain a quarterly network design roadmap aligned with supply chain strategy.
- Manage inter‑site product flows - ensuring Normanton replenishment and transfers are aligned with the supply plan and demand profile and updated as conditions change.
- When production issues arise, determine the optimal flex packing plan and ensure the revised plan is reflected in SAP and acted upon by Planning and Logistics.
- Define ship‑from locations for new customers and tenders and determine where new SKUs (NPD) will be packed and distributed from ahead of launch.
- Model seasonal and promotional demand flex, ensuring the network can absorb volume peaks without disproportionate cost.
- Support cross‑functional and pan‑ASR projects where network design input is required, including site integration activity as needed.
- Cost-to-Serve & Performance Insight
- Build and own the cost‑to‑serve model, quantifying the true cost of serving each channel, customer segment, and SKU to prioritise improvement activity and inform commercial decisions.
- Build and maintain a network cost dashboard providing weekly budget vs actuals visibility of logistics and replenishment spend, with root cause analysis to diagnose cost drivers.
- Work with Customer Service and Commercial to identify where customer ordering behaviour is driving unnecessary supply chain cost, and collaborate on solutions.
- Embed sustainability and carbon considerations into network analysis, quantifying the ESG impact of network decisions alongside cost and service; feed outputs into ZBB (Zero‑Based Budgeting) and ESG targets.
- Support Exec S&OP with a regular network performance view - flagging structural issues and presenting options and recommendations for leadership decision.
- Define and maintain stocking policies: safety stock levels, inventory positioning by site and SKU, and replenishment parameters, translated into clear operational inputs for Planning and Logistics.
- Ensure inter‑site replenishment flows - particularly Thames/Normanton/Plaistow movements - are optimised and that stocking decisions reflect the true cost of each positioning option.
- Work closely with the Planning Manager and Demand Planner to ensure network parameters and stocking policies are reflected in SAP/IBP.
- Run structured network scenario analysis (e. g. distribution model changes, packing plant allocation, insourcing vs. outsourcing), producing a clear business case and recommendation for leadership.
- Build and maintain a network simulation capability that enables rapid scenario testing and quantifies cost and service impact before structural changes are committed.
- Lead or co‑lead supply chain improvement projects arising from network analysis; support logistics and commercial teams in tenders by providing network insight and ship‑from recommendations.
- Ensure systems, data and reporting capabilities - including SAP planning parameters, Power BI dashboards and network modelling tools - support network design outputs and decision‑making.
- Continuously benchmark network performance against industry best practice, keeping pace with developments in network design tools and identifying opportunities to improve cost, sustainability and resilience.
ESSENTIAL WORK EXPERIENCES
- Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in supply chain network design, network optimisation, or a senior supply chain analytical role in a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations: manufacturing, planning, logistics, distribution, and customer fulfilment.
- Demonstrable experience building cost‑to‑serve models and translating outputs into commercial and operational decisions.
- Experience of inventory and stocking policy design — safety stocks, positioning logic, replenishment parameters — and translating these into operational planning system inputs (e. g.
SAP).
- Familiarity with S&OP processes and governance — how to prepare and frame recommendations for an executive decision forum.
- Experience with supply chain planning or network modelling tools (e. g. SAP, o9, Llamasoft/AIMMS, advanced Excel); Power BI or equivalent data visualisation experience desirable.
- Degree educated or equivalent professional experience, ideally in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Research or Business; APICS (CSCP/CPIM) or CIPS qualification desirable.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Supply Chain Network Design Manager in London employer: ASR Group
ASR Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the FMCG and food sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including professional development programmes and a supportive environment that encourages creativity and technical excellence. Located in Europe, ASR Group provides a unique chance to be at the forefront of product development, making a meaningful impact on the food industry while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Network Design Manager in London
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at ASR Group, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Supply Chain Network Design Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Network Design Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at ASR Group. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research ASR Group and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASR Group
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at ASR Group.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by ASR Group
Look into any unique supply chain challenges ASR Group might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
