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: Flexible remote work, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with significant career development potential and hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming supply chain processes and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in supply chain with a focus on transformation and international logistics.
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 Northampton employer: EquiTalent
Contact Detail:
EquiTalent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Supply Chain Specialist in Northampton
✨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
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile is up-to-date and highlights your experience in supply chain management. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to increase your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ERP systems and international logistics. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you tackled them, especially in a hands-on capacity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the time to connect directly with us. It shows you're serious about landing that interim role!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Supply Chain Specialist in Northampton
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.
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 skills can tackle them.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in supply chain management, particularly in areas like inventory optimisation and logistics. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible!
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, as these are key issues for the role.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully stabilised operations or implemented scalable processes. Highlight your experience with ERP systems and how you've optimised data flows in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would approach diagnosing issues in a complex supply chain environment and be prepared to share your thought process.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves interfacing with logistics partners and e-commerce platforms, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Use structured communication to convey your strategies and ensure you can engage at both operational and board levels.