At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the supply chain function from the ground up in a growing food business.
- Company: Respected food manufacturing company with ambitious growth plans and a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact, competitive salary, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant autonomy and the chance to build lasting relationships.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment to influence strategy and drive change in supply chain operations.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in supply chain leadership and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Supply Chain professional looking for the opportunity to build something rather than simply inherit it? Our client is a highly respected and growing food manufacturing business with an established market presence, ambitious growth plans, and a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service.
As part of their continued investment in operational excellence, they are seeking to appoint a newly created Supply Chain Manager – a position that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of procurement, supply chain strategy, warehouse operations, and logistics across the business.
This is a rare opportunity to establish and develop a supply chain function from the ground up. Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, you will take ownership of a procurement spend in excess of £14 million while leading warehouse and transport operations. You'll have the autonomy to introduce structure, strengthen supplier relationships, improve planning processes, and build the foundations required to support future business growth.
The role offers a genuine blend of strategic influence and operational leadership. You'll be expected to develop long-term procurement strategies whilst remaining close enough to the operation to understand the day-to-day challenges and opportunities.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and implement procurement and category management strategies across key spend areas
- Lead supplier negotiations, contract management, tender processes, and performance reviews
- Drive cost savings, value creation, and supply continuity initiatives.
- Manage and develop warehouse and transport teams, ensuring efficient and effective operations
- Strengthen supplier partnerships and improve service, quality, and commercial performance
- Support new product development through sourcing, cost modelling, and supplier engagement.
- Contribute to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes and forecasting capability
- Support ERP development and continuous improvement initiatives
- Play a key role in future business growth projects and capital investment programmes
- Build capability, structure, and processes across the wider supply chain function
We're keen to speak with individuals who can demonstrate:
- Proven experience in a senior Supply Chain, Procurement, or Purchasing leadership role
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills with experience managing significant spend
- A background within food manufacturing, FMCG, or another fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Experience developing supplier strategies, procurement governance, and category management approaches
- Exposure to warehouse, logistics, or operational supply chain activities
- Strong stakeholder management and leadership capability
- Experience working within growing or evolving manufacturing businesses
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional procurement credentials would be advantageous
This is far more than a traditional Supply Chain Manager role. You'll be joining a successful and growing business at a key stage in its development, with the opportunity to create lasting impact across procurement, planning, warehousing, transport, and supplier management.
If you enjoy building capability, driving change, influencing strategy, and delivering measurable commercial results, this role offers the platform to make a genuine difference. For a confidential discussion and further information, please apply today.
Supply Chain Manager employer: Engage Recruitment Ltd
Join a highly respected and growing food manufacturing business that values innovation and quality, offering you the chance to build a supply chain function from the ground up. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, this role provides a unique platform for meaningful impact and career growth in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain industry and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect 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 them overcome these hurdles. This will show you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making an impact at their organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Supply Chain Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Role-play common negotiation scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, logistics, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to build and lead supply chain functions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved processes in previous positions, especially in food manufacturing or fast-paced environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing teams and influencing strategy, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams and strengthened supplier relationships in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Supply Chain Manager, you'll be dealing with significant spend and procurement strategies. Make sure you brush up on relevant figures, such as cost savings you've achieved in previous roles or the scale of operations you've managed. Being able to discuss these numbers confidently will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about shaping the future of supply chain strategy. Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented successful procurement strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss your thought process and how you align these strategies with business goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be managing teams and influencing stakeholders, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Think of specific instances where you've led a team through change or improved operational efficiency. Share how you motivate and develop your team members.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare for questions like how you'd handle a supply chain disruption or negotiate with a difficult supplier. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
