Supply Chain Director in Manchester

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: £120,000 + Bonus