At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and lead a world-class grocery supply chain for fresh, frozen, and ambient products.
- Company: Join Pioneers, a tech-enabled convenience store chain reimagining grocery for urban consumers.
- Benefits: Be part of a groundbreaking retail concept with ambitious growth plans and a visionary team.
- Other info: Opportunity to build operations from scratch and redefine food retail in the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in reshaping grocery experiences while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in retail supply chain management, especially in grocery or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Supply Chain Manager role at Pioneers. Our partner is reimagining grocery for the modern urban consumer—building a premium, tech-enabled convenience store chain that blends hot food, curated grocery, and digital-first experiences. With bold ambitions, we’re gearing up to launch our first stores by the end of the year—and we need the right foundations to make it happen.
About the role: we are looking for a Supply Chain Manager to build and lead a world-class grocery supply chain across fresh, ambient, frozen, and impulse categories. You’ll be responsible for designing the systems and operations that ensure our stores are always stocked, our products are always fresh, and our customers are always delighted. This is a hands-on, high-impact role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and understands the operational realities of bricks-and-mortar retail. You’ll work cross-functionally to ensure our supply chain is agile, cost-effective, and scalable as we grow from pilot stores to national rollout.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement end-to-end supply chain processes for all grocery categories—fresh, frozen, and ambient.
- Own demand forecasting, replenishment, and inventory planning across a growing network of physical stores.
- Manage supplier logistics and last-mile delivery, with a focus on availability, freshness, and efficiency.
- Oversee stock flow, shelf life, and shrinkage, using smart systems and AI to minimise waste and drive operational control.
- Set and monitor quality control standards—ensuring all products meet our expectations before reaching the shelf.
- Work closely with Buyers, Store Operations, and Tech to align supply with promotions, new range launches, and seasonal peaks.
- Leverage data and AI tools to improve decision-making, reduce cost, and increase responsiveness.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and logistics partners, ensuring service levels are consistently met.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, handling, and storage regulations.
- Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions, logistics challenges, and operational risks.
Ideal Candidate
- 5+ years’ experience in retail supply chain management, ideally in grocery or FMCG.
- Experience supporting bricks-and-mortar store operations—with a strong grasp of real-world in-store execution and constraints.
- Confident working across multiple product types (fresh, frozen, chilled, and ambient).
- Skilled in inventory management, forecasting, and supplier performance tracking.
- Familiar with ERP and supply chain platforms; strong analytical and Excel skills.
- A builder and problem-solver—able to operate in ambiguity and scale operations from scratch.
- Entrepreneurial and detail-oriented, with a deep interest in reshaping food and convenience retail.
Why Join Us
- Be part of a category-defining retail concept from day zero.
- Build the supply chain that powers a bold new convenience brand with ambitious national growth plans.
- Work with a visionary, execution-driven founding team, backed by top-tier investors.
- Help redefine how grocery is experienced in the UK—fresh, fast, and customer-first.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Purchasing and Management
Industries: Retail
Supply Chain Manager in London employer: Pioneers
Join a dynamic and innovative retail startup in the heart of Soho, London, where your expertise as an Operations Director will directly impact our growth and success. We offer a collaborative work culture that values creativity and initiative, alongside opportunities for professional development and career advancement. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to excellence, this is a place where you can thrive and make a meaningful difference in the retail landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager in London
✨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 Pioneers, 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 Supply Chain Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager in London
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 Pioneers. 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 Pioneers 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 Pioneers
✨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 Pioneers.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Pioneers
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Pioneers 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!