Manager, EU Supply Chain in Chorley

We are a global life sciences solutions provider, delivering agile clinical trial and diagnostic services that help our customers navigate the complexities of life‑changing innovation. With over 40 years of experience in custom kitting and clinical trial support, our Clinical Services team combines deep technical and regulatory expertise with a strong track record of delivering high‑quality products and tailored solutions that our customers trust.

Based in Chorley, our Equipment & Ancillaries team provides a truly global service, sourcing and supplying medical and laboratory equipment to meet the unique needs of each study. From single-site trials to complex, multi-country programmes, we ensure our customers have the right equipment, in the right place, at the right time, enabling them to focus on delivering successful clinical outcomes, wherever their trials take place.

Role Mission

Lead and optimise end-to-end supply chain performance across multiple European sites by driving excellence in planning, inventory management, sourcing, and purchasing operations. This role is accountable for ensuring supply continuity, delivering outstanding customer service through OTIF and related performance metrics, and creating a resilient, efficient, and scalable supply chain. Through strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement, the role enables sustainable growth, operational excellence, and value creation across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute supply chain strategies that align with business objectives and support growth across multiple sites.
• Drive end-to-end optimisation of planning, inventory management, purchasing, and sourcing activities to improve service, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Ensure achievement of key supply chain metrics including OTIF, OTD, forecast accuracy, inventory turns, backorders, scrap, and working capital targets.
• Develop and implement inventory and replenishment strategies that balance customer service levels with inventory investment and obsolescence risk.
• Lead and develop high-performing sourcing, purchasing, inventory, and planning teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen supplier performance through effective onboarding, relationship management, performance reviews, and risk mitigation activities.
• Ensure compliance with supplier agreements, procurement policies, preferred supplier frameworks, and internal control requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Operations, Finance, and other key stakeholders to align demand forecasts, supply plans, and business priorities.
• Manage supply risks, resolve escalations, and implement contingency plans to protect business continuity and customer commitments.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives, leveraging data, analytics, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Support regional sourcing activities through commercial analysis, pricing proposals, and supplier capability assessments.
• Oversee purchasing operations, ensuring timely and accurate purchase order execution, workflow efficiency, and process compliance.
• Lead talent acquisition, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and succession planning within the supply chain organisation.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded supply chain leader who can successfully balance strategic thinking with operational execution. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading multi-site supply chain teams, driving performance improvements, and building strong supplier and stakeholder relationships. They will be highly analytical, customer-focused, and passionate about developing people and delivering sustainable business results.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations Management, or a related discipline is plus or demonstrable experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a supply chain, procurement, planning, or purchasing leadership role.
• Proven experience managing multi-site or regional supply chain operations.
• Strong expertise in inventory management, demand planning, sourcing, and purchasing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams across diverse functions and locations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with experience using data to drive decision-making.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, performance reviews, and continuity of supply strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong understanding of supply chain performance metrics including OTIF, OTD, inventory, forecast accuracy, and service levels.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience driving process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Desirable (but Not Essential)

• CIPS qualification or actively working towards accreditation.
• Professional qualifications in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Operations, or Logistics.
• Knowledge of S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes and integrated business planning.
• Experience supporting international sourcing strategies and supplier management across multiple regions.
• Familiarity with advanced planning systems, demand forecasting tools, and supply chain analytics platforms.
• Experience leading supply chain transformation, digitalisation, or ERP implementation projects.

What We Offer

At Resonant, we’re more than a leading life sciences company, we’re a global team united by a shared purpose: the uncompromising pursuit of quality to help our customers move science forward. When you join us, you become part of a growing global community of more than 850 dedicated professionals. In return for your skills, knowledge, and experience, we are committed to helping you thrive, offering access to high-quality learning, development, and career progression opportunities so you can reach your full potential.

This role is based on-site, with a requirement to work from the office for a minimum of 2 days per week to support close collaboration and operational effectiveness.

Our Competitive Reward Package Includes, Following Qualifying Periods

• Healthcare coverage.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible working options.
• Associate engagement activities and wellbeing initiatives.
• Generous annual leave, plus an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.

Join Us

Whether you bring a background in life sciences or proven operational expertise, this is your opportunity to be part of a collaborative, high-performing team making a real difference. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and help clients move their life science programmes forward with clarity and purpose—we’d love to hear from you.