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- Tasks: Lead global supply chain operations and transform manufacturing processes for a dynamic sports brand.
- Company: Fast-growing global sports & leisure manufacturer with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a brand while influencing global expansion and innovation.
- Qualifications: Senior supply chain experience, strong negotiation skills, and strategic thinking.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with significant career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: UK
Travel: Regular travel to Asia required
Function: Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations
The Company: We are partnering with a fast‑growing global sports & leisure manufacturer with a 45‑year heritage in engineered products and a rapidly expanding international footprint. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad range of sports equipment, accessories, and newly introduced digital consumer products, supplying major markets across the UK, Europe (especially DACH), the US, and Asia.
The Role: A senior, strategically oriented leadership position reporting to the COO.
You will own:
- The performance of the Asia-based manufacturing operation including P&L partnership, cost control, CapEx planning, efficiency initiatives, and continuous improvement of the Tianjin factory.
- The commercial & strategic ownership of all third‑party suppliers including selection, contract negotiation, exclusivity agreements, and governance frameworks across the multi-category supply base.
You’ll also shape the supply-side of a major operating model transformation, ensuring the business has the processes, suppliers, production capability, and freight model required to scale globally. This is a role for someone who can think strategically, operate commercially, and influence cross‑continent teams - while still being hands‑on enough to solve complex manufacturing and sourcing challenges.
Key Responsibilities:
- Third‑Party Supplier Strategy & Commercial Leadership: Own supplier selection, evaluation and onboarding across all product categories. Lead pricing, contract, and exclusivity negotiations with key partners. Build a structured governance model across a ~15‑supplier network. Oversee supplier readiness for new categories (consumer electronics, licensed goods). Act as escalation point for all major supplier issues. Provide strategic direction to the Asia Supply Chain Operations Manager.
- Operating Model Transition (MTS/MTO & Freight Strategy): Lead the shift from air‑freighted MTO to hybrid MTS/MTO. Develop stockholding, factory scheduling and production planning frameworks. Drive conversion from air to sea freight for stocked items. Enable consolidated FOB China shipments for multi‑product containers. Input into EU/US logistics network design in partnership with the COO.
- New Product Launch Readiness: Partner with Product Development on tooling, sampling, and supplier qualification. Assess supply chain risks early in the roadmap. Oversee launch readiness for complex licensed and consumer electronics products. Maintain robust risk management across factory and supplier base.
- Asia Manufacturing Leadership (Factory P&L, CapEx & CI): Support factory leadership with budgeting, cost modelling, and P&L insight. Assist in building the CapEx roadmap (automation, machinery, capacity). Support efficiency improvements and operational excellence initiatives. Align factory capacity with commercial growth and product pipeline.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Manage and develop the Asia Supply Chain Operations Manager. Partner closely with the Head of S&OP to integrate supply/demand planning. Work collaboratively with the Finance Director on modelling, CapEx, and working capital. Provide supply‑side recommendations for network, logistics, and investment decisions. Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual supply chain reporting.
Candidate Profile:
- Senior supply chain/manufacturing leadership experience within consumer products.
- Direct accountability for manufacturing P&L and/or factory operations.
- Strong supplier commercial negotiation expertise.
- Experience managing significant operating model transitions (MTO→MTS, freight shifts, FOB).
- Deep familiarity with China‑origin supply chains, logistics, and manufacturing.
- Experience with consumer electronics, multi-SKU launches, or licensed product categories.
Skills & Attributes:
- Financially literate, commercially sharp, strong with P&L and CapEx.
- Strategic thinker who can translate vision into operational reality.
- Strong negotiator and relationship builder - internally and externally.
- Skilled people leader with cross‑cultural management experience.
- Thrives in a fast-scaling, dynamic, entrepreneurial organisation.
- Comfortable with complexity, pace and frequent travel to Asia.
Why This Role?
- Shape the global supply chain architecture of a rapidly scaling brand.
- Own the transformation of a factory, a supplier ecosystem, and the global operating model.
- Play a central role in the company’s shift into consumer electronics and high-growth product categories.
- Influence board‑level decisions and global expansion strategy.
Package: ÂŁ120,000 + Bonus
Supply Chain Director in Birmingham employer: ECR Global
Contact Detail:
ECR Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Director in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant 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 the company and its supply chain operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help solve them. This will show you're not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Supply Chain Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in supply chain management, especially any leadership roles you've held in consumer products. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in supplier negotiations and operational improvements. Let us know how you can contribute to our growth!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking abilities. We’re looking for someone who can not only manage day-to-day operations but also shape long-term strategies. Share instances where you've successfully led transitions or transformations in supply chains.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECR Global
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's supply chain operations. Understand their current challenges, especially in Asia, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also invested in their success.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of the role, prepare to discuss your past experiences in leading operational transformations. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to manage P&L, negotiate contracts, and implement efficiency initiatives. This will demonstrate your capability to think strategically and act commercially.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss your approach to supplier negotiations. Bring examples of successful negotiations you've led, particularly in complex environments. This will help illustrate your strong relationship-building skills and commercial acumen.
✨Emphasise Cross-Cultural Leadership Experience
Since the role involves managing teams across continents, highlight your experience in cross-cultural management. Share stories that showcase your ability to lead diverse teams and navigate different cultural dynamics, especially in Asia. This will reassure them that you can thrive in their fast-scaling, dynamic environment.