At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape FoodLab's supply chain from procurement to logistics in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join FoodLab, a dynamic B2B beverage company on an exciting growth journey.
- Benefits: Impactful leadership role with opportunities for collaboration and international exposure.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in ambiguity and want to drive change.
- Why this job: Build processes from scratch and make a real difference in a scaling business.
- Qualifications: Significant supply chain management experience in manufacturing or FMCG environments.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Company: FoodLab
Location: Hybrid - London based
About FoodLab
FoodLab is a fast growing B2B business operating in the beverage space. We partner with brands to help bring their product ideas to life, supporting them across ingredients, production, and supply chain execution. We are at a formative stage of growth, scaling both volume and complexity across multiple markets. We now operate production facilities in the UK and the US and work closely with external suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners. This is a key leadership role at a critical point in FoodLab’s journey.
The Role
We are looking for a Supply Chain leader to own and lead FoodLab’s end to end supply chain across procurement, production planning, inventory management, and logistics within the UK. You will have the chance to build processes and structure from the ground‑up in a fast‑paced, start‑up environment. This is a senior, hands‑on role suited to someone who is comfortable operating in an early stage environment — building structure where it doesn’t yet exist, while still staying close to day‑to‑day execution. You will be responsible for ensuring continuity of supply, building scalable processes, and supporting the business as it grows across markets. You will work closely with Operations, Production, Finance, and Commercial teams, and will manage and develop the supply chain function over time.
Key Responsibilities
- Supply Chain Ownership
- Own the end‑to‑end supply chain across raw materials, packaging, production, warehousing, and distribution
- Ensure continuity of supply while balancing cost, quality, and service levels
- Act as the escalation point for supply chain risks, shortages, and disruptions
- Planning & Inventory
- Lead demand planning, supply planning, and inventory strategy across UK and US operations
- Set stock policies, safety stock levels, and replenishment logic
- Ensure inventory accuracy and effective use of MRP systems
- Procurement & Supplier Management
- Own supplier relationships for key raw materials, packaging, and external manufacturers
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms
- Identify, onboard, and qualify new suppliers as the business scales
- Production & Manufacturing
- Work closely with internal production teams and external manufacturers
- Support production planning and capacity management
- Help standardise processes across sites and partners
- Systems & Process Development
- Own and improve supply chain processes, documentation, and SOPs
- Drive effective use of MRP / inventory systems (e.g. MRPeasy)
- Build scalable ways of working suitable for a growing business
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Build, manage, and develop the supply chain team over time
- Work cross‑functionally with Operations, Finance, and Commercial teams
- Provide clear reporting, insight, and recommendations to leadership
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in supply chain management within manufacturing, FMCG, food & beverage, or similar environments
- Proven experience managing end‑to‑end supply chains in a growing or changing business
- Strong understanding of procurement, inventory management, and production planning
- Experience working with MRP / ERP systems
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building structure from scratch
Preferred Experience
- Experience in startup or scale‑up environments
- Exposure to multi‑site or multi‑country operations
- Experience working with both in‑house manufacturing and external partners
- Background in food, beverage, or regulated manufacturing environments
What Success Looks Like
- Supply continuity is stable, predictable, and well managed
- Inventory is controlled, visible, and aligned to demand
- Suppliers are well managed, with clear expectations and improving performance
- Supply chain processes are documented, scalable, and understood across the business
- The supply chain function grows in capability as the business scales
Why Join FoodLab
- A genuinely impactful leadership role in a scaling business
- Opportunity to build and shape the supply chain function from the ground up
- Close collaboration with senior leadership and operations
- Exposure to international operations and growth
Head of Supply Chain employer: Food Lab
Contact Detail:
Food Lab Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 FoodLab and its supply chain processes. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them scale. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in supply chain management aligns with FoodLab’s goals. Keep it concise but impactful—highlight your achievements and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the FoodLab team. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Supply Chain. Highlight your experience in supply chain management, especially in manufacturing or FMCG. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at FoodLab!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supply chain management and how you can contribute to FoodLab's growth. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, we’re keen to see examples of your leadership experience. Share stories that demonstrate how you've built teams, managed cross-functional collaborations, and driven process improvements in previous roles.
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 any important updates from us at FoodLab!
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Lab
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the end-to-end supply chain process, especially in the food and beverage sector. Brush up on your knowledge of procurement, production planning, and inventory management, as these are crucial for the role at FoodLab.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in building and managing teams. FoodLab is looking for someone who can develop the supply chain function, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific challenges you've faced in supply chain management and how you overcame them. FoodLab values candidates who can operate in ambiguity and build structure from scratch, so share your strategies for ensuring continuity of supply and managing risks.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MRP Systems
Since effective use of MRP systems is essential for this role, make sure you’re well-versed in any relevant software you've used. Be prepared to discuss how you've leveraged technology to improve supply chain processes and inventory accuracy in your past experiences.