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 exciting cross-site initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a highly regulated industry while leading innovative supply chain strategies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in supply chain leadership within manufacturing and 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 connections in the supply chain field, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s supply chain strategies. Show us you understand their challenges and how your experience can help tackle them. Tailor your answers to highlight relevant skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to hiring managers or recruiters. Express your interest in the Head of Supply Chain role and share how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure your application stands out by showcasing your leadership experience and transformation successes.
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 speaks directly to the role of Head of Supply Chain. 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 is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven supply chain transformation and improved performance in previous positions. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior director, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team. Make sure to highlight your leadership experiences and how you've developed high-performing teams in your past roles. We love seeing strong leadership capabilities!
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lonza
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Make sure you understand the end-to-end supply chain process, especially in a manufacturing context. Brush up on your knowledge of demand planning, logistics, and inventory management, as these are crucial for the role.
✨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.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP and Digital Tools
Since the role requires solid experience with SAP and digital planning tools, make sure you can speak confidently about your experience with these systems. If possible, share specific instances where you've used these tools to improve supply chain performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Analysis Questions
Expect questions that test your ability to analyse scenarios related to demand prioritisation and capacity allocation. Think through some potential scenarios beforehand and be ready to discuss your thought process and decision-making.