At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the global supply chain strategy and optimise operations for a luxury brand.
- Company: Join Carl Friedrik, a modern luxury brand known for craftsmanship and design excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to shape premium product delivery.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on quality and efficiency.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in supply chain management with strong analytical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Carl Friedrik is a modern luxury brand specialising in high-end leather goods and travel accessories, known for its commitment to craftsmanship, timeless design, and operational excellence. As Head of Supply Chain, you will lead the end-to-end supply chain and procurement strategy, ensuring seamless coordination between suppliers, production partners, logistics providers, and internal teams. Your mission will be to drive efficiency, quality, and profitability across all supply chain operations — from sourcing and purchasing to logistics. This strategic leadership role requires a blend of analytical rigor, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of premium product manufacturing and fulfilment.
You will be responsible for designing and implementing scalable systems and processes that support Carl Friedrik’s growth, ensuring on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and superior quality standards. Collaboration is key — you’ll work closely with the Product Development, Design, and Merchandising teams to ensure that every product meets the brand’s standards and reaches customers with excellence.
Key Responsibilities- Design and lead the global supply chain strategy, covering development, procurement, purchasing and logistics.
- Develop and implement operational systems to improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness across the supply chain.
- Lead the purchasing and sourcing strategy, ensuring optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance aligned with commercial objectives.
- Oversee and continuously optimise financial planning and budgeting for supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with company profitability goals.
- Manage supplier relationships, negotiate agreements, and monitor performance to maintain premium material sourcing and ethical standards.
- Oversee the order lifecycle, including order entry, planning, order book management, and shipping target setting.
- Utilise advanced Excel and analytical tools to monitor supply chain metrics, forecast demand, and generate data-driven insights.
- Develop and maintain robust financial and numerical models to evaluate cost structures, pricing impacts, and inventory efficiency.
- Optimise processes and logistics flows, leveraging data-driven insights to improve lead times, and reduce costs.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Design, Operations, and Finance to ensure full alignment from development to delivery.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to support scalable, sustainable growth.
- Present regular performance reports and financial summaries to senior leadership, supporting strategic decision-making.
- Degree-level qualification in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics, Finance, or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience in end-to-end supply chain management, ideally within premium or consumer goods sectors.
- Strong analytical and commercial mindset, with a track record of driving measurable efficiency and cost improvements.
- Advanced Excel and numerical analysis skills, with the ability to create and interpret complex financial and operational models.
- Solid understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting within a supply chain or production context.
- Deep knowledge of procurement, production planning, logistics, and order management systems.
- Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturers, ideally within the luxury or fashion accessories industry.
- Highly organised, proactive, and results-driven, with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Head of supply chain management in London employer: Carl Friedrik
At Carl Friedrik, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values craftsmanship and operational excellence. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, providing employees with opportunities to lead impactful projects in the luxury goods sector. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, we offer a dynamic environment where your expertise in supply chain management will directly contribute to our mission of delivering timeless products to discerning customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of supply chain management in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend supply chain events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Carl Friedrik’s values and products. Show us that you understand their commitment to craftsmanship and operational excellence, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements in supply chain management and how you’ve driven efficiency and quality in past roles. We want to hear how you can bring that expertise to Carl Friedrik.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Carl Friedrik team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of supply chain management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Supply Chain Management role. Highlight your achievements in supply chain strategy, procurement, and logistics to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about luxury brands and how your background in supply chain management can drive efficiency and quality at Carl Friedrik.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, don’t forget to mention your experience with Excel and data-driven decision-making. Share specific examples of how you've used these skills to improve supply chain operations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Carl Friedrik!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carl Friedrik
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of supply chain management, especially in the luxury goods sector. Familiarise yourself with Carl Friedrik’s products and their sourcing strategies. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their operational excellence and how you can contribute to it.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with advanced Excel and analytical tools. Bring examples of how you've used data-driven insights to improve supply chain efficiency or reduce costs. Being able to articulate your analytical mindset will set you apart as a candidate who can drive measurable improvements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role requires close collaboration with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked cross-functionally in the past. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills, and how they’ve helped you build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in supply chain management. Think about scenarios related to procurement, logistics, or supplier negotiations. Practising your responses will help you convey your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities effectively.
