Supply Chain Manager in Northampton

Our client, a well‑established and growing organisation within the FMCG food and beverage sector, is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Supply Chain Manager to lead and develop their end‑to‑end supply chain function. This is a key leadership role, offering the opportunity to drive operational efficiency, improve service levels, and ensure product availability across a diverse brand portfolio.

Job Role

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for the seamless, cost‑effective flow of goods from procurement through to final customer delivery. You will lead a team covering demand planning, purchasing, and production (co‑pack), delivering accurate, brand‑focused forecasting and ensuring strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and motivate the Supply Chain team, managing three direct reports across distinct functions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brand owners, co‑packers, and service providers to ensure consistent supply and performance.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels through robust demand forecasting, data analysis, and proactive planning.
• Oversee purchasing and production orders, ensuring alignment with forecasts and business requirements.
• Develop and implement supply chain strategies that improve operational efficiency, service levels, and cost control.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks, implementing contingency plans where required.
• Utilise ERP systems and data tools to track KPIs, generate performance reports, and support decision‑making.
• Measure supplier performance monthly using Supplier Scorecards and drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor inventory turnover ratios, slow‑moving and obsolete SKUs, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure supply chain visibility across demand and inventory to support high levels of customer service delivery.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including S&OP, Customer Services, Commercial, and Finance to align supply chain activities with business needs.
• Lead and contribute to fortnightly S&OP reviews, providing accurate data, insights, and recommendations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across systems, processes, and ways of working.
• Undertake ad‑hoc projects and tasks to support the wider business as required.

Personal Profile

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management or a similar role, ideally within FMCG.
• Strong experience working to KPIs and performance targets in a fast‑paced environment.
• Highly organised with excellent time management and the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Confident communicator with a collaborative and proactive approach.
• Advanced Excel skills with strong overall MS Office capability.
• Experience of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) is highly desirable.
• Experience using Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and Slimstock would be advantageous.
• Detail‑oriented, consistent, and accountable, with a flexible and positive attitude.

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Early finish on Fridays, Hybrid working with up to 2 days per week working from home.

Package

Private Healthcare, Competitive Pension, Discretionary Bonus, Staff Discount, Car Lease Scheme, Group Income Protection, Life Assurance, 25 days holiday.