At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wine sourcing and ensure supply continuity for a heritage brand.
- Company: Join Buckfast Tonic Wine, a unique UK heritage drinks brand.
- Benefits: Executive package with genuine influence and close-knit leadership.
- Other info: Be part of a small team with significant responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a focused, profitable business.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in wine or spirits manufacturing required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Buckfast Tonic Wine is one of the UK’s most distinctive heritage drinks brands. As the business approaches its 100‑year anniversary, J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) Ltd is appointing a Supply Management Director to play a pivotal role in securing its future. This appointment follows the planned retirement of a long‑serving supply leader after more than 30 years. The priority is continuity, stewardship and resilience — not disruption.
This is not a traditional procurement or transformation role. Success will be defined by safeguarding supply, protecting quality and provenance, and maintaining trusted long‑term supplier relationships.
Key focus areas
- End‑to‑end responsibility for wine sourcing and supply continuity
- Stewardship of long‑standing European wine producers (France & Spain)
- Ownership of supply planning from source through blending, bottling and distribution
- Relationship‑led commercial negotiation across wine, packaging and key inputs
- Oversight of regulated supply, bonded stock and excise requirements
About you
- Senior experience in wine, spirits or drinks manufacturing
- Deep understanding of quality‑critical raw materials and bulk liquid supply
- Calm, credible and collaborative, commercially astute without being adversarial
- Comfortable operating as part of a small, highly visible leadership team
Buckfast is a focused, profitable business producing c.£65m annually with a team of just 22 people. This role offers genuine influence, close‑knit leadership, and the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a unique business and product.
Supply Management Director in Southampton employer: Nigel Wright Group
Contact Detail:
Nigel Wright Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Management Director in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to wine and spirits. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with quality-critical raw materials and how you've maintained supplier relationships in past roles. Be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Be calm and collaborative during interviews. This role is all about stewardship and maintaining trust, so demonstrate your ability to work well with others and handle challenges gracefully.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, and it gives you a better chance to stand out. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Buckfast legacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Management Director in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When writing your application, let your love for wine and the industry shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for quality and provenance, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your connection to the world of wine.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Supply Management Director, you'll be part of a small leadership team. Make sure to emphasise your senior experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and collaborate effectively.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about your end-to-end supply management experience, especially in wine sourcing and supplier relationships. We want to know how you’ve safeguarded supply and maintained quality in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our unique team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Group
✨Know Your Wine
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of wine sourcing and the specific regions mentioned in the job description, like France and Spain. Being able to discuss quality-critical raw materials and how they impact supply continuity will show that you're not just familiar with the industry but also passionate about it.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role emphasises relationship-led commercial negotiation, think about examples from your past where you've successfully built and maintained long-term supplier relationships. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your collaborative approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As part of a small leadership team, it's crucial to convey your calm and credible leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated challenges in previous roles while maintaining a positive team dynamic. This will help them see you as a fitting addition to their close-knit environment.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Buckfast Tonic Wine's history and its significance in the UK market. Understanding their focus on stewardship and resilience will allow you to align your answers with their values, showing that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their unique business.