At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the supply chain function for a growing multi-brand consumer products business.
- Company: Join Ideal Direct, a dynamic company with ambitious growth plans and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, private healthcare, and 26 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career development and team building.
- Why this job: Shape the future of logistics in a pivotal role with real impact on growth.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior supply chain roles, hands-on Amazon FBA experience, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ per year.
About Ideal Direct
Ideal Direct is a privately owned, multi-brand consumer products business shipping across the UK, Europe and the US. We own and operate nine brands across pest control, health and wellbeing, homewares, DIY and jewellery, sold primarily through Amazon, eBay, B&Q and TikTok Shop. We're approaching £15m revenue with a clear plan to reach £100m by 2030. This is a pivotal role at a pivotal moment — the person who joins now will shape the supply chain function that carries us there.
The Role
This is a genuine leadership opportunity for an experienced supply chain operator who wants to build something, not just run something. As Head of Supply Chain and Logistics, you'll take full ownership of a broad and commercially important function: Amazon FBA replenishment across UK and EU, inventory management and demand planning, China supplier relationships and QC, 3PL and freight management, and the day-to-day performance of our Rochester warehouse operation. You'll lead a team of four direct reports with real potential, and you'll work closely with our Director of Finance and Operations to build the infrastructure and operating model that a £100m business needs. This is a hands-on role. You'll be in the detail, driving standards and building capability while keeping one eye firmly on where the business is going.
What You'll Own
- Full operational ownership of supply chain and logistics across UK, EU and US channels
- Amazon FBA replenishment end-to-end: IPI management, restock planning and storage optimisation across UK and EU
- Inventory management and demand planning across all channels
- Supplier relationships and quality control, including direct China factory management and factory visits
- 3PL relationships and freight, including an active EU transition to UK-hub and direct-from-China FBA-EU shipping
- Warehouse operations in Rochester, developing your Warehouse Manager and lifting team standards and culture
- Building the KPI framework, reporting rhythm and operational systems the business needs to scale
What Success Looks Like
In your first year, you will have:
- Taken full ownership of the supply chain function and freed up director-level time for strategic priorities
- Installed a live KPI framework and consistent reporting rhythm
- Materially improved inventory accuracy across channels
- Completed the EU transition
- Built genuine capability in your direct reports
- Started designing the operating model for the next stage of growth
About You
You'll bring:
- 5 or more years in a senior supply chain leadership role within a multi-brand e-commerce or Amazon-led business at £30m to £150m revenue
- Hands-on Amazon FBA experience: replenishment, IPI management, Seller Central, UK and EU. US experience is a strong advantage
- Direct China supplier management experience, including factory visits and quality interventions
- A track record of building systems, processes and teams rather than simply inheriting and maintaining them
- Strong commercial literacy: contribution margin, working capital, stock turns and cost-to-serve
- Real people leadership — you develop and invest in your team, you don't work around them
- The communication skills and presence to hold your own with a director and a founder-led board
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: £80,000 to £95,000 depending on experience
- Performance bonus
- Private healthcare
- Workplace pension
- 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working: Rochester-based with flexibility
Next Steps
We move quickly. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply with your CV and a brief note on why this role fits where you are in your career.
Head of Logistics & Supply Chain employer: Ideal Direct Ltd
Ideal Direct is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for growth and leadership in the logistics and supply chain sector. With a clear vision to scale from £15m to £100m by 2030, employees can expect a dynamic work culture that values innovation and hands-on involvement, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a performance bonus, and hybrid working arrangements. Joining our team means being part of a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the company's success and your professional development is actively supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Logistics & Supply Chain
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Ideal Direct Ltd and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Ideal Direct Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Ideal Direct Ltd keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Logistics & Supply Chain
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Ideal Direct Ltd:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Ideal Direct Ltd. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ideal Direct Ltd
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Ideal Direct Ltd.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Ideal Direct Ltd that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Ideal Direct Ltd. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
