At a Glance
- Tasks: Stabilise and optimise supply chain operations in a fast-paced consumer products environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic, globally trading consumer products business with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rate, remote work flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work remotely with occasional travel and help build a lean, scalable supply chain team.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformation and drive operational excellence in a critical role.
- Qualifications: 8-12+ years in supply chain with proven transformation experience across global markets.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are supporting a fast-growing, internationally trading consumer products business operating across multiple global markets. With inventory manufactured in Asia and distributed via a mix of 3PL partners and e-commerce channels (including Amazon), the business is now entering a critical phase of operational optimisation.
Following recent investment in systems infrastructure and integration tooling, there is a requirement for a hands-on interim supply chain specialist to stabilise operations, implement scalable processes, and build a fit-for-purpose function.
The Role
Reporting to the CFO, you will take ownership of the end-to-end supply chain during a period of transformation. This is a high-impact, delivery-focused role requiring both strategic design and hands-on execution.
Key challenges include:
- Stock-outs across multiple regions
- Inventory reconciliation issues between systems, 3PLs, and marketplaces
- Limited visibility on inbound shipments and lead times
- Inefficient working capital deployment
- Lack of structured reporting and performance management across logistics partners
Responsibilities
Diagnostics & Stabilisation
- Conduct a rapid end-to-end review of supply chain processes, systems, and data
- Identify root causes of stock and reconciliation issues
- Implement immediate controls and reporting to stabilise operations
- Act as primary interface with logistics partners and e-commerce platforms
Process Design & Implementation
- Build a robust inventory management framework (forecasting, safety stock, reorder points)
- Establish structured inbound tracking and communication processes
- Standardise reconciliation procedures across all inventory locations
- Define supplier management processes (lead times, MOQs, quality control)
- Introduce KPIs and performance cadence for 3PL partners
Systems & Automation
- Partner with finance and systems teams to optimise data flows across ERP and integration layers
- Define system requirements for inventory and purchasing processes
- Identify and implement automation opportunities
- Ensure accurate reconciliation of marketplace and ERP data
Working Capital Optimisation
- Analyse stock positioning and identify inefficiencies
- Model optimal inventory levels across regions
- Review supplier terms and recommend improvements
- Deliver a quantified working capital improvement plan
Team Build & Handover
- Design a lean, scalable supply chain function
- Support hiring of a permanent team (manager + coordinators)
- Ensure full documentation, onboarding, and handover
Key Deliverables
- Month 1: Diagnosis, stabilisation, and visibility tools in place
- Months 2–3: Core processes, systems alignment, and optimisation plans delivered
- Months 4–6: Team in place, processes embedded, full handover completed
Required Experience
- 8–12+ years in supply chain, including senior-level responsibility
- Proven track record in transformation, turnaround, or interim environments
- Experience operating across multiple geographies and currencies
- Strong exposure to China sourcing, international logistics, and 3PL management
- Familiarity with e-commerce and marketplace fulfilment (e.g. Amazon)
Systems
- Working knowledge of ERP systems
- Understanding of system integrations / middleware (e.g. Celigo or similar)
- Strong Excel / modelling capability
Capabilities
- Rapid problem diagnosis in complex environments
- Structured and clear communicator (operational and board-level)
- Commercially minded, particularly around working capital
- Hands-on and delivery-focused
- Comfortable operating autonomously in an interim capacity
Engagement Details
- Contract: Interim (Outside IR35 expected)
- Location: Primarily remote with occasional travel
- Start: ASAP
Interim Supply Chain Specialist in Edinburgh employer: EquiTalent
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding consumer products business that values innovation and operational excellence. As an Interim Supply Chain Specialist, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and offers unique opportunities to make a significant impact during a transformative phase. With a focus on optimising supply chain processes and systems, this role provides the chance to work remotely while engaging with global markets and enhancing your professional skills in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Supply Chain Specialist in Edinburgh
✨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 opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ERP systems and international logistics. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past, especially around stock management and supplier relations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When chatting with potential employers, highlight specific examples where you've stabilised operations or implemented scalable processes. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Supply Chain Specialist in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Supply Chain Specialist. Highlight your experience in supply chain transformation and any hands-on roles you've had, especially in global operations or e-commerce environments.
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. Mention specific challenges from the job description and how your past experiences have prepared you to tackle them.
Showcase Relevant Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your skills in ERP systems, inventory management, and logistics. We want to see your strong Excel capabilities and any experience with 3PL partners or e-commerce fulfilment, particularly with platforms like Amazon.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at EquiTalent
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of supply chain processes, especially in a global context. Be ready to discuss specific challenges like stock-outs and inventory reconciliation, and how you've tackled similar issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about execution, so highlight your hands-on experience in transforming supply chains. Prepare examples where you’ve implemented scalable processes or optimised operations, particularly in an interim capacity.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Systems
Since the company operates in an ERP/integration environment, make sure you understand the basics of ERP systems and middleware. If you have experience with tools like Celigo, mention it during the interview to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to diagnose problems and propose solutions. Think through potential scenarios they might present, such as dealing with limited visibility on shipments, and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
