At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the end-to-end supply chain, driving improvements and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a successful international manufacturer with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy guaranteed bonuses, free food & fuel, and a matched pension up to 10%.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising supply chain processes and leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in supply chain leadership, ideally in manufacturing or engineering.
Salary: £80,000-£100,000
Location: Sidcup, Kent
Working Hours: Full Time, Permanent
Benefits: Guaranteed bonuses, free food & fuel, matched pension up to 10%, plus many more great benefits.
The Company
Our client is a successful and growing international manufacturer with ambitious plans for continued growth. They are now seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Supply Chain to lead their end-to-end supply chain function, drive change and continuous improvement, and build a high-performing team.
The Vacancy
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Head of Supply Chain will lead the end-to-end supply chain, spanning sourcing, supplier management, quality, purchasing, inventory and international logistics. This is a key leadership role for someone who can combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, driving operational improvements and ensuring the right products are delivered at the right time, quality and cost.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the end-to-end supply chain, developing and delivering sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, lead times, availability and supply risk.
- Identify, evaluate, negotiate with and onboard suppliers, managing commercial terms, quality requirements, compliance and service performance while developing contingency and dual-sourcing strategies for critical products.
- Establish and maintain supplier quality standards, specifications and acceptance criteria, working closely with internal quality and warehouse teams to manage incoming goods, resolve issues and drive corrective action.
- Monitor and improve supplier performance through regular reviews, tracking areas including defects, non-conformances, returns, service levels and overall performance.
- Oversee purchasing and inventory management, including purchase orders, stock levels, safety stock, reorder points and supply planning, ensuring production and project requirements are met while optimising stock turns and working capital.
- Lead international logistics and the movement of goods, managing freight partners, shipments, customs, duties and import/export requirements while maintaining visibility of goods in transit and proactively managing delays or supply risks.
- Lead, develop and grow the supply chain function, driving continuous improvement across processes, systems and ways of working to improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen operational performance.
- Work closely with the senior leadership team, providing supply chain insight, reporting on key performance metrics, risks and improvement initiatives, and contributing to the wider business strategy and future growth.
About You
- Significant experience in a senior Supply Chain, Procurement or Logistics leadership role, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering or project-based environment.
- Experience within the building products or a similar manufacturing sector.
- Proven experience in supplier selection, negotiation, relationship and performance management, including supplier quality.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing, inventory and stock management, alongside international freight, logistics and import/export processes.
- CIPS qualification, or equivalent.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to balance cost, quality, service and supply risk, while driving improvements across supply chain processes and systems.
- A hands-on yet strategic leader with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence and operate effectively at senior level.
Head of Supply Chain in Sidcup employer: Netbox Recruitment
As a leading international manufacturer based in Sidcup, Kent, our client offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Supply Chain role, characterised by a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from guaranteed bonuses, free food and fuel, and a matched pension scheme, all while being part of a dynamic team that values strategic thinking and hands-on leadership. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, this is an ideal workplace for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the supply chain sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain in Sidcup
✨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 Netbox Recruitment, 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain in Sidcup
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 Netbox Recruitment. 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 Netbox Recruitment 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 Netbox Recruitment
✨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 Netbox Recruitment.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Netbox Recruitment
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Netbox Recruitment 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!
