At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform a high-volume supply chain network across multiple sites.
- Company: Join CHEP, a certified top global employer with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Other info: Accelerated career pathway to senior leadership roles in a complex environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply chain operations with real impact and visibility.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in managing large teams and driving transformation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Field-Based, South UK (Regular travel to Birmingham, Severnside & South Ockendon)
Type: Full time, Permanent
Are you an influential operational leader with the vision, resilience and capability to shape the future of a multi-site, high-volume supply chain network? Do you thrive in environments where operational excellence, major transformation and complex stakeholder alignment all collide, and where your leadership directly impacts national and European supply chains?
CHEP is hiring a Senior Manager, Supply Chain Operations – South, who will report to our UKI Supply Chain Director. You will oversee a large, fast-paced operational region, leading three Plant Managers and approximately 600 colleagues, while spearheading some of CHEP's most strategically important initiatives.
This role blends operational leadership with long-term strategic influence, offering the scope to deliver real, measurable impact across safety, cost, service and transformation. It is a role for someone ready to step into a large platform with visibility, autonomy and the chance to shape how our network performs today, and how it evolves for tomorrow.
If you are driven by the challenge of leading large teams, transforming ways of working and delivering high-stakes results in a matrix organisation, this is an exceptional opportunity to make your mark.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience managing large teams in high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing or Supply Chain environments.
- Strong operational leadership across safety, service, quality and cost.
- Proven experience delivering transformation projects and change management initiatives in complex, multi-site operations.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders across matrix organisations (Commercial, Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, etc.).
- Experience working in unionised environments with positive relationship management.
- Financial and commercial acumen - budget ownership, P&L understanding, and cost optimisation capability.
- Strong Continuous Improvement mindset (Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen desirable).
Leadership Behaviours
- Exceptional communication and coaching skills.
- Comfortable with complexity, ambiguity and competing priorities.
- Proactive, independent decision-maker who can balance strategy and execution.
- Able to build engagement, foster Zero Harm culture and drive high performance across diverse teams.
Key Responsibilities May Include:
- Ensure all operational activities within the region fully comply with health, safety, and quality standards, as well as operational procedures to drive regulatory adherence and risk mitigation.
- Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring plants consistently meet service and quality standards, and foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Provide leadership and oversight to ensure plants have the appropriate resources and focus to consistently deliver on KPIs, meeting customer satisfaction and operational goals.
- Continuously improve operational performance in key areas such as health and safety, cost management, product quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.
- Analyze and track regional cost trends, identifying opportunities for cost efficiency and ensuring that financial performance aligns with budget targets.
- Lead and implement cost-saving initiatives by recommending, analyzing, and executing efficiency improvements across the region.
- Actively contribute to the development and execution of the regional supply chain strategy, working closely with cross-functional teams to drive operational consistency and improvement.
- Lead and mentor plant management teams, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, fostering a collaborative work environment, and supporting professional development.
Why Join CHEP?
- Lead high-profile transformation programmes with genuine European exposure.
- Multi-site, cross-functional scope — Operations, Engineering, Commercial, Supply Chain UK/EU.
- Accelerated career pathway — a natural pipeline to future Head of Operations / Director roles.
- Complex, exciting environment with autonomy, visibility and impact. This is a role for someone who wants to shape the future, not just run the present.
What’s in It for You?
- Certified Top 17 Global Employers
- Annual bonus (typically 20%) based on company and individual performance
- Car allowance
- Generous Share Scheme
- Private healthcare (family cover)
- Flexible working
- 25 days holiday + statutory holidays, with the option to buy/sell 5 additional days
- 10% company pension contribution
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
Senior Manager, Supply Chain Operations – South in South Ockendon employer: CHEP
CHEP is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for those looking to make a significant impact in supply chain operations. With a focus on leadership development, employees benefit from accelerated career pathways, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to lead high-profile transformation programmes across a multi-site network. The company also prioritises employee well-being with generous benefits, including private healthcare, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Supply Chain Operations – South in South Ockendon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the supply chain industry, especially those who work at CHEP or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into CHEP's values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around operational excellence and transformation. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings—be proactive! Keep an eye on our website for new roles and apply as soon as they pop up. The early bird gets the worm, and we love seeing enthusiastic candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in the interviewers' minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Supply Chain Operations – South in South Ockendon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in managing large teams and driving operational excellence, as these are key for us at CHEP. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and transformation projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for supply chain operations and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your ability to influence stakeholders and manage complex environments, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes wherever possible. Whether it’s cost savings, improved safety metrics, or enhanced customer satisfaction, we want to see the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Numbers speak louder than words!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHEP
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Manager in Supply Chain Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your budget management and P&L understanding. Be ready to discuss how you've optimised costs in previous roles and the impact it had on operational performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires exceptional communication and coaching skills. Prepare examples of how you've led large teams through transformation projects. Highlight your ability to influence senior stakeholders and foster a culture of operational excellence.
✨Embrace Complexity
The interview will likely touch on managing ambiguity and competing priorities. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex situations in multi-site operations. Be ready to explain your decision-making process and how you balanced strategy with execution.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
With a focus on Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen, be prepared to discuss specific initiatives you've led that resulted in measurable improvements. Share how you fostered a culture of continuous improvement within your teams and the tangible results achieved.
