At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise global supply chain operations for a leading manufacturer.
- Company: Join a value-driven manufacturer in Staffordshire with a strong leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000 plus bonus, Monday to Friday work schedule.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a rapidly expanding SME environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on international supply chain efficiency and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in supply chain management and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 € per year.
SF Partners are recruiting for a leading Manufacturer in Staffordshire who are looking to recruit a Head of Supply Chain and Operations. This role is a great opportunity for an experienced Supply Chain professional to join a value led organisation and to sit within the SLT.
Working pattern: site based Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm
Salary: up to £50,000 + bonus
The Senior Supply Chain & Operations Manager is a key member of the leadership team, overseeing the effective delivery of international supply and operational activities across multiple global manufacturing locations. The role is responsible for ensuring products are produced, inspected, stored, and distributed efficiently, maintaining high standards of accuracy, cost control, and on-time delivery throughout the supply chain process.
The position spans manufacturing coordination, quality assurance, logistics, warehousing, and distribution, while working collaboratively with senior leadership to support operational performance and long-term business objectives.
Within a rapidly expanding SME environment, the role initially requires a hands-on approach leading a small team, with flexibility to travel internationally at short notice and undertake extended overseas visits during peak operational periods. As the organisation continues to scale, the position will evolve into leading and developing a larger operational team aligned with business growth.
Responsibilities will include:
- Production Execution & OTIF Management
- Manage and monitor all production schedules from order placement through to shipment, ensuring adherence to the target sea-based OTIF line of 112 days and total OTIFD of 162 days.
- Maintain weekly production tracking with all vendors, escalating risk areas to the COO and Head of Vendor Strategy & Planning.
- Collaborate closely with vendors and factory partners to ensure proactive resolution of potential delays or capacity issues.
- Quality Assurance & Inspection
- Oversee QA activities in line with the defined QA process (V1-V3 plus final pre-shipment 40-point inspection).
- Work with third-party inspection companies and in-country QA teams (e.g., Pakistan) to validate factory-reported progress and quality standards.
- Logistics, Warehouse & Distribution
- Lead and manage the warehouse and logistics function to ensure goods are received, stored, and dispatched accurately and efficiently.
- Ensure all shipments follow the sea-based cost model unless airfreight is approved by the COO and CFO.
- Oversee warehouse performance on accuracy, timeliness, and housekeeping standards aligned with expectations.
- Manage allocation of inbound goods to customer orders, prioritising key customers and ensuring fairness and transparency.
- Inventory & Service-Level Management
- Lead visibility and decision-making on inventory requirements across all product categories, ensuring balance between availability, working capital, and warehouse capacity.
- Direct "stocking line" decisions in partnership with the COO and Head of Vendor Strategy & Planning, aligning purchasing and replenishment to sales trends and forecast accuracy.
- Monitor service-level performance, targeting a blended 75% same-day and 85% within-month fulfilment rate, and implement corrective actions when below threshold.
- Provide regular reporting to the SLT on inventory health, aged stock, and service-level KPIs.
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor and report monthly on debit and credit notes, analysing root causes and agreeing remedial actions. Provide structured performance reporting to the COO and SLT, highlighting trends, risks, and corrective measures.
- Collaboration & Leadership
- Work in close partnership with the Head of Vendor Strategy & Planning to ensure end-to-end alignment between planning and execution.
- Contribute to SLT discussions on supply chain performance, resource planning, and continuous improvement.
- Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and data integrity across all supply chain activities.
Head of Supply Chain and Operations in Rugeley employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Staffordshire where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a leading manufacturer, we prioritise employee growth through hands-on leadership opportunities and a commitment to continuous improvement, all while providing competitive salaries and bonuses. Join us to be part of a value-led organisation that supports your professional journey in a rapidly expanding SME setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain and Operations in Rugeley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain and operations field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their supply chain processes and challenges they face. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs. Plus, it’ll impress them that you’ve done your homework!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Since this role requires a practical approach, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed production schedules or resolved logistics issues. Real-life stories resonate more than just talking about your qualifications.
✨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. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain and Operations in Rugeley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Supply Chain and Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in supply chain management, logistics, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our value-led organisation. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage production schedules, quality assurance, and logistics effectively. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supply chain processes, especially those relevant to manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage production schedules and ensure on-time delivery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Supply Chain and Operations, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to share your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of instances where you resolved conflicts or motivated your team during challenging times.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to quality assurance or logistics challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as it will show your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with vendors, QA teams, and senior leadership in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster teamwork to achieve operational goals.
