Supply Chain Director in Edinburgh

Supply Chain Director in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 120000 - 120000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
ECR Global

At a Glance

  • 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 rapidly scaling brand and influence global strategies.
  • Qualifications: Senior supply chain leadership experience and strong negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

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 Edinburgh employer: ECR Global

    Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding global sports and leisure manufacturer that values innovation and strategic thinking. With a strong focus on employee development, this company offers a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact the transformation of supply chain operations. Enjoy competitive benefits, regular travel opportunities to Asia, and the chance to shape the future of consumer electronics within a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
    ECR Global

    Contact Detail:

    ECR Global Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Director in Edinburgh

    ✨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 the company and its supply chain operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around P&L management and supplier negotiations.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your strategic thinking! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully led operational transitions or improved efficiency in past roles. This will demonstrate your fit for a senior position.

    ✨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 about their job search.

    We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Director in Edinburgh

    Supply Chain Management
    Manufacturing Operations
    P&L Management
    Cost Control
    Contract Negotiation
    Supplier Evaluation
    Governance Frameworks
    Operational Excellence
    Risk Management
    Production Planning
    Logistics Network Design
    Cross-Cultural Management
    Strategic Thinking
    Relationship Building
    Change Management

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Supply Chain Director. Highlight your experience in managing P&L, supplier negotiations, and any relevant operational transformations you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supply chain management and how your strategic thinking can benefit our global operations. Be sure to mention your familiarity with Asia-based manufacturing too!

    Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact. Whether it's cost savings from a successful negotiation or improvements in operational efficiency, we love to see quantifiable results that highlight your skills.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

    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 operating model transitions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex supplier negotiations or improved manufacturing efficiencies.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

    As a Supply Chain Director, you'll need to manage teams across continents. Think about your leadership style and be prepared to discuss how you motivate and develop cross-cultural teams. Highlight any experience you have in managing diverse teams and driving collaboration.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    At the end of the interview, ask questions that demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the company's goals. Inquire about their plans for scaling operations or how they envision the transition to consumer electronics. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking.

    Supply Chain Director in Edinburgh
    ECR Global
    Location: Edinburgh

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