At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to optimise supply chain processes and enhance recycling performance.
- Company: Join First Mile, the UK's leading recycling company making a real environmental impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a rapidly growing, award-winning company with a commitment to innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of recycling while driving efficiency and sustainability in a growing industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About First Mile: First Mile is the UK's premier recycling company, serving over 30,000 customers including Pret a Manger, Zara, and Netflix. We are a rapidly growing, multi-award-winning business making a real impact in the environmental space. Our Supply Chain Department is industry-leading, growing at 20% year-on-year, and plays an essential role in delivering exceptional service and high recycling rates to our customers.
The Role: We are seeking a talented and results-driven Supply Chain Manager to lead our Supply Chain function. This is a senior role with full responsibility for a team of 12, managing the performance of all sub-contracted services across our supplier network. The Supply Chain Manager will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the Supply Chain department and ensuring it meets the evolving needs of our growing customer base. You will be responsible for meeting goals across four key pillars: service levels, recycling performance, commercial outcomes, and compliance.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Team Management: Lead, develop and performance-manage a team of 12 supply chain and operations professionals, setting goals and targets that support business objectives, supporting their development, and a collaborative culture. Build a high-performing, motivated team culture with clear accountability and career development pathways. Conduct regular 1:1s, team reviews, and performance appraisals to drive continuous improvement.
- Supplier & Contract Management: Take overall responsibility for managing the performance of all sub-contracted services, ensuring service levels and margin are delivered in line with agreed KPIs. Personally build and maintain relationships with top and strategic suppliers, meeting regularly and assessing performance through data-driven KPI frameworks. Lead consolidation and rationalisation of the existing supply chain where there is a service, environmental, or commercial case to do so. Identify and onboard new supplier partners that enhance service to customers, broaden recycling availability, and improve commercial performance. Negotiate competitive pricing, contracts, SLAs, and supply agreements that deliver margin improvement and support growth.
- Operations & Process Improvement: Optimise and improve processes to drive efficiency, automation, and improved customer experience while reducing cost to operate. Actively collaborate with the tech team to design and enhance technology tools such as the Supplier App to enable better service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure 100% compliance with First Mile's safety, quality, and environmental standards across the entire supplier base. Manage all supplier documentation to ensure records are complete, current, and audit-ready.
- Reporting & Strategy: Report to the Senior Management Team and Board on the performance of the Supply Chain function, providing clear metrics and KPI analysis. Produce monthly reports and track progress against targets for the division. Contribute to the strategic direction of the Supply Chain department, anticipating the changing needs of customers as the business scales.
- Commercial Support: Support new business.
Supply Chain Manager in London employer: First Mile | Certified B Corp
Contact Detail:
First Mile | Certified B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching First Mile and its supply chain operations. Understand their values and how they impact the environment. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience in team management and supplier relations. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in team management and supplier relations. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about recycling and supply chain management. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and data to demonstrate how you've met or exceeded goals in past positions. This will help us see the impact you could have at First Mile.
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 ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Mile | Certified B Corp
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the ins and outs of supply chain management, especially in the recycling sector. Familiarise yourself with First Mile's operations, their key clients, and how they measure success. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Supply Chain Manager, you'll be leading a team of 12. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on goal-setting, performance management, and fostering a collaborative culture. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to motivate and develop your team.
✨Be Data-Driven
First Mile values data-driven decision-making. Come prepared with examples of how you've used KPIs and metrics to improve supply chain performance. Discuss any tools or frameworks you've implemented to track supplier performance and how these have led to better outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly around supplier management and compliance. Be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to resolve issues while maintaining service levels.