At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the end-to-end supply chain performance and drive transformation initiatives.
- Company: Join a leading biotech company committed to operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with global teams and contribute to innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a highly regulated industry while optimising supply chain strategies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in supply chain leadership and strong knowledge of regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Senior Director, Head of Supply Chain for Slough is accountable for the end‑to‑end supply chain performance of the manufacturing site, ensuring reliable execution and delivery of customer programs while optimizing capacity, inventory, and cost. As a member of the Site Leadership Team, this role translates customer demand and portfolio priorities into integrated, executable supply strategies aligned with Lonza’s global supply chain network. The role plays a critical part in driving planning excellence, S&OP governance, and supply chain transformation to support growth, operational excellence, and customer commitments in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and lead end‑to‑end site supply chain performance, from demand planning through execution, logistics, and customer delivery.
- Lead the integrated site planning process, translating customer demand and portfolio priorities into executable plans across assets, materials, and workforce.
- Govern the site S&OP process, providing scenario analysis and recommendations on demand prioritization, capacity allocation, and financial impact.
- Ensure reliable supply chain execution, including planning, materials management, warehouse, and logistics operations.
- Optimize inventory levels, capacity utilization, and cost performance while maintaining full compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Drive supply chain transformation initiatives, including digital planning capabilities, SAP, and advanced planning tools, to improve visibility, forecast accuracy, and performance.
- Develop, lead, and retain a high‑performing supply chain organization, ensuring strong capabilities, succession planning, and talent development.
- Partner closely with global supply chain, commercial, and network planning teams to integrate customer programs and support long‑term network strategy.
- Contribute to cross‑site, regional, or network initiatives, operational excellence programs, and special projects as required.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- Extensive senior‑level experience in supply chain leadership roles within manufacturing environments.
- Strong experience in regulated industries such as biotech, pharmaceutical, CDMO, or chemicals.
- Proven track record leading site‑level supply chain operations and S&OP processes.
- Solid experience with SAP and digital planning tools across materials, scheduling, and capacity planning.
- Demonstrated leadership capability within complex, matrix, and multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Ability to drive transformation, change, and continuous improvement at scale.
- Excellent communication, influence, and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Customer‑focused mindset with strong business acumen and data‑driven decision making.
- Business‑fluent English required.
Head of Supply Chain Slough employer: Lonza
Lonza is an exceptional employer, providing a vibrant work culture in Cambridge where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a competitive package and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in therapies that impact patients worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 the company and its supply chain processes. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them overcome these hurdles. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in supply chain leadership aligns with their needs. Highlight your achievements in optimizing performance and driving transformation – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Supply Chain role. Highlight your experience in supply chain leadership, especially in regulated industries like biotech or pharmaceuticals. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in supply chain management and how you've driven transformation in previous positions. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, make sure to highlight your leadership capabilities. Talk about how you've developed talent and fostered a collaborative environment in your past roles. We love seeing strong leaders!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lonza
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the end-to-end supply chain processes relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of demand planning, logistics, and inventory management, especially in regulated environments like biotech or pharmaceuticals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading supply chain teams and driving transformation initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you've developed talent and managed cross-functional teams in complex environments, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, come prepared with specific metrics or KPIs from your previous roles. Discuss how you've used data to optimise supply chain performance and improve forecast accuracy, particularly using tools like SAP.
✨Engage with Scenario Analysis
Expect to discuss scenario analysis during the interview. Prepare to talk about how you've approached demand prioritisation and capacity allocation in past roles. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to govern S&OP processes effectively.
