At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the supply chain and logistics for a growing multi-brand business.
- Company: Join Ideal Direct, a dynamic consumer products company with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, private healthcare, and 26 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on team development and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply chain operations in a pivotal leadership role.
- 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 Supply Chain & Logistics employer: Ideal Direct Ltd
Ideal Direct is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for growth and leadership in the supply chain sector. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to shape a pivotal function within a rapidly growing business, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment here. Located in Rochester, the role provides a blend of hands-on operational management and strategic influence, all while enjoying competitive benefits including private healthcare and a performance bonus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain & Logistics
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Ideal Direct Ltd, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Head of Supply Chain & Logistics.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain & Logistics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Ideal Direct Ltd. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Ideal Direct Ltd and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ideal Direct Ltd
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Ideal Direct Ltd.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Ideal Direct Ltd
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Ideal Direct Ltd might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
