At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance supply chain performance and drive business success.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Hybrid work options and a supportive culture for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in supply chain management while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in supply chain leadership and strong communication skills.
Working collaboratively with Suppliers, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, & Programme Management, the Supply Chain Team Leader operates within a matrix environment, providing leadership & coordination across Integrated Portfolio Teams (IPTs).
The Supply Chain Team Leader will be responsible for executing the supply chain strategy & delivering supplier performance to support business objectives & achieve key operational & financial KPIs
Key Responsibilities
- Lead & develop a team of Buyers to deliver the Supply Chain vision, strategy, policies, processes, & procedures, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Translate the Supply Chain strategy into clear, measurable SMART objectives, driving individual & team accountability for achieving functional & business KPIs.
- Deliver improvements in supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, & working capital, supporting operational excellence & business growth.
- Build & maintain effective supplier & cross-functional relationships to ensure continuity of supply, resolve issues, & support programme delivery.
- Proactively identify, manage, & mitigate supply chain risks, escalating issues where appropriate & implementing effective recovery plans.
- Resolve day-to-day operational issues using a quality-focused, data-driven approach, communicating impacts, risks, & resolution plans to key stakeholders in a timely manner.
- Provide effective leadership, coaching, mentoring, & development to direct reports, fostering a high-performing, engaged team focused on continuous improvement & value creation.
- Manage individual & team performance through regular objective setting, performance reviews, feedback, & development planning, addressing performance issues where required.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supply chain efficiency, resilience, compliance, & overall business performance.
- Ensure all procurement & supply chain activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, governance requirements, regulatory standards, & ethical sourcing practices.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, & continuous improvement across the Supply Chain function & Integrated Portfolio Teams (IPTs).
Skills & Experience Essential
- Experience: Proven experience in a supply chain, procurement, or purchasing leadership role within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading, coaching & developing high-performing teams.
- Business & Financial
Acumen: Strong understanding of supply chain management principles, including supplier performance management, strategic sourcing, inventory management & working capital optimisation.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Experience of managing supplier relationships and driving improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and service.
- Communication & Influencing
Skills: Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence & collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams at all organisational levels.
Desirable
- Professional certification such as CIPS or a relatable degree
- Experience in manufacturing, defence, or industrial sectors.
- Experience with supplier risk management & sustainability initiatives.
- Experience of working within integrated project management teams
- CIPS Level 4 or above
Work life balance
- 37.5 hour working week, Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
- Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave, Christmas closure, Holiday purchasing scheme
Benefits
- Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%
- Income protection scheme & Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Assistance Programme gives you & your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service & physiotherapy consultations
- Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling & probate helpline
- Company shares incentive plan & save as you earn scheme
Security Clearance Requirements
Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement.
Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history & right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years
Supply Chain Team Leader employer: Chess Dynamics Ltd
As a Senior Buyer in our dynamic Purchasing team, you will thrive in a culture that prioritises teamwork, integrity, and excellence. We offer a supportive work environment with flexible working arrangements, a generous benefits package including a matched pension plan and comprehensive employee assistance programmes, and ample opportunities for professional growth within an innovative supply chain network. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a role that challenges and rewards you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Team Leader
✨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 Chess Dynamics Ltd, 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 Team Leader.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Team Leader
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 Chess Dynamics Ltd. 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 Chess Dynamics Ltd 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 Chess Dynamics Ltd
✨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 Chess Dynamics Ltd.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Chess Dynamics Ltd
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Chess Dynamics Ltd 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!
