At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise supply chain operations across two manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving positive change in the industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in supply chain management and strong people skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About the Role
At DS Smith, we're looking for an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead our Customer Services and Planning functions across two manufacturing sites.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with two high-performing teams, driving consistency, improving performance, and creating a best-in-class supply chain operation.
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you'll be responsible for leading a team of 10, including two direct reports, ensuring Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), customer service, production planning, inventory management, and raw material supply activities are aligned to deliver exceptional customer outcomes and operational efficiency.
This is a highly visible role where you'll partner closely with Sales, Operations, Production, Engineering and Supply Chain colleagues to ensure demand, capacity and supply plans are effectively managed while driving continuous improvement across both sites.
Key responsibilities
- Lead Customer Services and Planning teams across two manufacturing sites.
- Develop a high-performing, engaged team culture and coach colleagues to maximise performance.
- Own and drive the site S&OP and S&OE processes, ensuring effective demand, capacity and inventory planning.
- Align customer demand with operational capability to deliver outstanding service levels.
- Manage inventory, raw material forecasting and stock policies to balance service, cost and working capital targets.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning, scheduling, logistics and customer service functions.
- Monitor and improve key KPIs including OTIF, inventory performance, customer service metrics and supply chain efficiency.
- Partner with Sales, Operations and Manufacturing teams to proactively respond to changing business demands.
- Ensure accurate supply chain data and reporting to support effective decision-making.
- Support strategic supply chain projects and contribute to wider cluster objectives.
- Foster collaboration across sites, creating common ways of working and a consistent supply chain culture.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Proven Supply Chain leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience across planning, scheduling, logistics, customer service and inventory management.
- Strong people management experience with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage complexity and competing priorities across multiple sites.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience leading or supporting S&OP and Sales & Operations Execution processes.
- Strong IT and systems skills, including planning and reporting tools.
Desirable
- Graduate calibre or equivalent experience.
- Packaging, paper, FMCG or manufacturing sector experience.
- Understanding of the DS Smith sales model.
- Knowledge of Abaca or similar planning systems.
- Experience leading supply chain transformation or cultural change initiatives.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Pension, life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Program
- Digital GP and Health Checks
- Retail and leisure discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
Location
On site – Crumlin / Redditch
About us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products.
We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change.
We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more.
Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.
Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce.
Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges.
- We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria
- #LI-CE
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Supply Chain Manager in Hinckley employer: DS Smith Europe
As a Quality and Technical Lead in our Packaging Division, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with international teams. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our commitment to quality excellence and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager in Hinckley
✨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 DS Smith Europe, 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 Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager in Hinckley
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 DS Smith Europe. 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 DS Smith Europe 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 DS Smith Europe
✨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 DS Smith Europe.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by DS Smith Europe
Look into any unique supply chain challenges DS Smith Europe 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!
