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 employer: ECR Global
Contact Detail:
ECR Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Director
✨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 competitors. Understand their supply chain challenges and come ready with ideas on how you can help them tackle those issues.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led operational transformations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Director role. Highlight your experience in supply chain management, especially with consumer products and manufacturing P&L. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your strategic thinking and supplier negotiation successes. This is your chance to show us your personality and passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. Mention your experience managing teams and cross-cultural collaboration. Let us know how you've influenced change and driven operational excellence in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows us 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. Familiarise yourself with their Asia-based manufacturing processes, P&L management, and any recent news about their expansion in consumer electronics. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of the role, be ready to discuss your approach to supplier selection and negotiation. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led significant operational transitions. This will showcase your ability to think strategically while being hands-on.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior role, they’ll want to know how you manage and develop teams. Prepare to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've influenced cross-cultural teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent within the supply chain.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves P&L responsibility and CapEx planning, brush up on your financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss how you've used financial insights to drive operational improvements and cost control in past positions. This will show that you can translate financial data into actionable strategies.