At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise our global retail supply chain for Manchester United merchandise.
- Company: Join the iconic Manchester United team, where passion for football meets excellence in operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellness support, exclusive discounts, gym access, and enhanced career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core to our recruitment strategy; all backgrounds are welcome.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performance culture that values collaboration and innovation in sports retail.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in supply chain leadership, ideally in retail or sports merchandise.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Old Trafford Stadium
At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.
We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.
The Purpose
We’re seeking a strategic, hands-on, and forward-thinking Head of Retail Supply Chain to lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of our end-to-end global retail supply chain. This pivotal role is key to ensuring our fans around the world receive the products they love — whether it’s from our stadium store, e-commerce platform, licensing partners, or wholesale channels.
You will be responsible for overseeing everything from inbound logistics and sourcing through to inventory management, demand planning, distribution, and reverse logistics. You will also lead supply chain operations for personalisation services and ensure our supply chain supports an excellent customer and fan experience, while driving commercial growth.
The Role
Key Responsibilities
- Supply Chain Strategy & Optimisation
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, agile supply chain strategy across all retail channels
- Introduce best practices and leverage technology to drive innovation and efficiency
- Stay informed of industry trends, particularly within global sports retail
- Demand Planning & Inventory Management
- Lead forecasting and planning in collaboration with Retail, Commercial, and Marketing teams
- Balance product availability with cost-effective stock management
- Implement and manage a robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process
- Inbound Logistics & Sourcing
- Oversee inbound logistics and relationships with global suppliers and manufacturers
- Ensure timely, ethical, and compliant sourcing of all products
- Outbound Logistics & Distribution
- Manage outbound distribution across all retail channels, including 3PL performance
- Ensure smooth last-mile delivery to stadium stores, satellite locations, e-commerce customers, and wholesale partners
- Personalisation & Special Services
- Manage stock and logistics for personalisation services (e.g., shirt printing)
- Collaborate with eComm and Stadium Retail leads to embed personalisation into the customer journey
- Customer Service & Reverse Logistics
- Work closely with Customer Care to resolve delivery and return issues efficiently
- Develop effective reverse logistics processes for returns, exchanges, and faulty goods
- Operational Excellence & Technology
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of stock data across ERP, WMS, and other systems
- Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction through lean supply chain principles
- Ensure high system performance, including effective integration with the Jonas Stock System
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Maintain audit readiness and oversee supplier/finance reconciliation processes
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring continuity in the face of disruption
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing supply chain team
- Foster strong cross-functional relationships with key internal stakeholders, including Retail, Commercial, Marketing, Licensing, Finance, and Operations
The Person:
Experience
- 5+ years in end-to-end supply chain leadership roles, ideally in fast-paced retail, FMCG, or sports merchandise
- Strong background in demand planning, inventory, and logistics (inbound/outbound)
- Proven experience with 3PLs, sourcing, and managing personalisation supply chains
- Skilled in supply chain systems (ERP, WMS, planning tools) and data-driven optimisation
- Track record of partnering with customer care teams to improve delivery and returns processes
Skills & Attributes
- Strategic Thinker & Problem Solver – Able to anticipate challenges and build scalable solutions
- Data-Driven Leader – Confident in using data and analytics to inform decision-making
- Commercially Minded – Understands how supply chain impacts revenue and customer experience
- Inspirational Leadership – Builds, motivates, and manages high-performing teams
- Excellent Communicator – Strong at influencing stakeholders across all levels
- Skilled Negotiator – Able to secure favourable terms with suppliers and partners
- Collaborative Doer – Hands-on, solution-focused, and thrives in a team-oriented culture
- Adaptable & Resilient – Performs under pressure and responds quickly to change, especially during product launches or major events
What We Offer
At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:
- Annual incentive scheme
- Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+
- Workplace Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
- Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
- Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
- Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
- A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
Our Commitment to You:
At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Thursday 17th July 2025.
Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.
Head of Retail Supply Chain in Manchester employer: Manchester United
At Manchester United, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a high-performance culture that prioritises collaboration and continuous growth. Working at our iconic Old Trafford Stadium, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of young players while benefiting from a diverse and inclusive environment that values your unique contributions. We are committed to your professional development, offering tailored support and resources to help you thrive in your role as a Casual Girls Academy Wellbeing Officer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retail Supply Chain in Manchester
✨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 Manchester United, 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 Retail Supply Chain.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail Supply Chain in Manchester
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 Manchester United. 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 Manchester United 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 Manchester United
✨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 Manchester United.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Manchester United
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Manchester United 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!
