At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage UK supply chain operations and improve processes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Established global drinks company with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while leading a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain or operations within FMCG and strong people skills.
- Other info: Join a team that values calmness, clarity, and effective communication.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with an established global Drinks company to recruit a Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of the UK supply chain operations. This is a hands-on, end-to-end role – ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure, calm and clarity to complex supply chain environments, without the ego or over-engineering.
The Role
- You’ll be responsible for the UK supply chain, managing day-to-day operations while continuously improving how things work.
- Key areas of ownership include:
- End-to-end Order-to-Cash for the UK market
- Supply & demand planning, balancing service levels with commercial realities
- Exports to Northern Ireland, including documentation and process compliance
- Process streamlining and automation – spotting inefficiencies and fixing them
- Cross-functional collaboration with Finance, Commercial and Operations teams
- Budget awareness and forecasting, working closely with Finance
- Leveraging ERP systems (SAP experience helpful but not essential)
- 3 direct reports (2 permanent, 1 temp)
- Covering order processing, demand planning and operational support
- A strong emphasis on coaching, prioritisation and backing your team when it matters
What We’re Looking For
This role will suit someone who is commercially grounded, operationally strong and people-focused.
Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in Supply Chain / Operations within FMCG or a similar fast-moving environment
- Solid understanding of supply planning, demand planning and order management
- Comfortable working with data, statistics and reporting to support decisions
- Experience using ERP systems (SAP or equivalent)
- Exposure to process improvement and automation initiatives
Soft Skills That Really Matter Here
- Confident but measured – no over-promising
- Calm under pressure, pragmatic and solutions-focused
- Strong people skills – able to work with multiple personalities and functions
- A leader who backs their team and earns trust through consistency
Interested? If you’re a supply chain professional looking for a manager role where your judgement, experience and people skills genuinely matter, let’s have a conversation.
Supply Chain Manager - Spirits/FMCG employer: Principle HR
Contact Detail:
Principle HR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager - Spirits/FMCG
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supply chain management. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role, especially around process improvement and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure, collaborate with different teams, and support your colleagues. Remember, they want someone who can lead with confidence and earn trust!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager - Spirits/FMCG
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Supply Chain Manager. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any specific achievements in supply planning or process improvement that align with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and how you fit into our culture. Share examples of how you've brought structure and clarity to complex supply chain environments, just like we value at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: We want to see your people skills shine through! Mention instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams or led a team, as these are key to thriving in this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Principle HR
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supply chain operations, especially in the FMCG sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding of end-to-end processes, demand planning, and order management.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've identified inefficiencies and implemented process improvements. This role values calmness and clarity in complex environments, so highlight how you've successfully navigated challenges and streamlined operations in your previous roles.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
Since you'll be leading a small team, it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Discuss how you prioritise coaching and support for your team members, and provide examples of how you've built trust and collaboration across different functions in your past positions.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with relevant data and statistics that can support your decision-making process. Be prepared to discuss how you've used ERP systems like SAP or similar tools to analyse data and improve supply chain operations, as this will show your analytical capabilities.