At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the end-to-end supply chain and improve operational efficiency.
- Company: A 5th generation, family-owned food business with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence operations and work in a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced, innovative settings.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations in a growing, entrepreneurial food business.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Join a Food Business Where Passion Meets Progress. Here, food is more than just business; it's a way of life. Founded in the 1800s, the company has spent over 170 years building relationships with some of the world's finest producers, supplying premium ingredients to food manufacturers, chefs, and retailers across the UK and beyond.
5th Generation, family-owned and proudly independent, the business combines heritage with an entrepreneurial spirit. It's a place where ideas are welcomed, people take ownership, and the team works together to make things happen.
As the business continues to grow, they’re now looking for a Supply Chain & Operations Manager who can help shape the next chapter of their operational journey.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the end-to-end operational supply chain in an organically growing food business. You’ll be responsible for ensuring products move seamlessly from global suppliers through to customers, managing logistics partners, improving operational visibility, and continuously enhancing how the supply chain performs.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working both strategically and hands-on. Someone who doesn't just maintain systems but questions them, improves them, and builds better ones. You’ll work closely with Sales, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure the business delivers reliable service, strong margins, and operational excellence. You’ll also lead and develop a small operations team, including a Supply Chain Coordinator and Customer Service Executive, helping them grow while ensuring the day-to-day operation runs smoothly.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Managing the Supply Chain: Overseeing the end-to-end supply chain operation, ensuring products move efficiently from suppliers to customers. Managing third-party logistics partners (3PLs) and maintaining strong operational relationships. Regular travel to the company’s 3PL facility in Castle Donington to review operations and performance. Monitoring service metrics such as OTIF/DIFOT, inventory accuracy, and order fulfilment performance.
- Freight, Imports & Logistics: Managing inbound freight from global suppliers. Working with freight forwarders to ensure smooth import operations and compliance. Negotiating logistics costs and improving the cost-to-serve across the supply chain.
- Customer Service & Fulfilment: Leading the customer service function to ensure accurate order processing and exceptional service. Managing delivery coordination and issue resolution. Ensuring key customers receive consistent, high-quality service.
- Process Improvement & Operations: Improving operational reporting and visibility across the supply chain. Identifying and implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency. Supporting ongoing development of the ERP system and integration with warehouse partners. Acting as a trusted advisor to leadership on operational improvements.
- Team Leadership: Managing and developing a small team including: Supply Chain Coordinator and Customer Service Executive. Creating a collaborative and proactive operations culture.
What We’re Looking For:
This role suits someone who thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys building smarter ways of working. You’ll likely bring:
- Strong experience managing 3PL warehouses and logistics partners.
- Experience within supply chain, logistics or operations management.
- A deep understanding of cost-to-serve and operational efficiency.
- Experience working with global suppliers and inbound freight.
- Strong analytical skills and confidence working with operational data.
- ERP system experience (Microsoft Dynamics or similar is beneficial).
- Experience within food, ingredients, or FMCG supply chains would be a significant advantage.
The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here:
The culture at this business is practical, collaborative, and entrepreneurial. The ideal person will be someone who:
- Is hands-on and proactive.
- Enjoys solving operational challenges.
- Thinks outside the box and brings ideas.
- Is comfortable rolling up their sleeves in a growing business.
- Enjoys working cross-functionally across teams.
- Is ambitious and always looking to learn and improve.
Living within a reasonable commute of London Bridge would be ideal given the office-based nature of the role.
What Makes This Role Special:
This isn’t a rigid corporate supply chain role. It’s an opportunity to:
- Take real ownership of operations.
- Work in a growing and entrepreneurial food business.
- Influence how the supply chain evolves.
- Work closely with leadership and key stakeholders.
- Visit suppliers, customers, and logistics partners.
- Build a career in a company that values ideas, initiative, and passion.
If you enjoy food, operations, solving problems, and making things better, you’ll fit right in, so apply now!
Supply Chain & 3PL Ops Manager employer: ICM Recruitment
As a 5th generation, family-owned food business with over 170 years of heritage, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial work culture where every team member's ideas are valued. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through hands-on leadership opportunities and the chance to influence operational excellence in a dynamic environment. Located conveniently for those commuting from London Bridge, we offer a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering premium ingredients while continuously improving our supply chain processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain & 3PL Ops Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food and supply chain industry on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their growth. Bring your A-game and some thoughtful questions!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might not be listed elsewhere. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining our team. Let’s make things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain & 3PL Ops Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for the industry. We want to see how your passion aligns with our values.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with supply chain management and logistics, especially if you've worked with 3PLs before. We appreciate candidates who take the time to connect their skills to what we do.
Be Specific About Your Achievements:Use concrete examples to demonstrate your successes in previous roles. Whether it's improving operational efficiency or managing a successful project, we love to see numbers and results that showcase your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICM Recruitment
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's supply chain processes. Understand how they manage logistics and their relationships with 3PL partners. Be ready to discuss your own experiences in managing supply chains and how you can bring improvements.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of operational challenges you've faced in the past and how you tackled them. This role is all about improving processes, so demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a small team, share specific instances where you've successfully managed and developed team members. Talk about how you foster collaboration and create a proactive culture within your team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Data and Metrics
Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to supply chain management, like OTIF/DIFOT and inventory accuracy. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive operational efficiency and make informed decisions in your previous roles.
