At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global supply chain operations and develop a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Slingco, an award-winning supplier with over 40 years of industry experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car, enhanced pension, 33 days annual leave, and gym membership.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career growth in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and quality.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in supply chain management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
COMPANY BACKGROUND: SLINGCO is an award-winning supplier of high-quality tools and accessories for the installation and handling of cable, with over 40 years of industry heritage. We serve customers in over 70 countries worldwide from our head office in Lancashire, UK, and bases in Georgia, USA, and Bengaluru, India. Our products are used in safety critical applications for a wide range of markets including oil & gas, civil engineering, aerospace, transport, utilities, marine/offshore and the military.
LOCATION: Onsite at Slingco's Head Office in Rawtenstall, Lancashire
BENEFITS:
- Company Car/Car Allowance
- Company Pension – Enhanced Employer Contributions
- 33 Days Annual Leave – Increasing to 38, inclusive of Bank Holidays
- Birthday Off
- BUPA Medical Cover
- Life Insurance (x4 salary)
- Onsite Parking
- Gym Membership
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Loan Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
POSITION SUMMARY: The Group Supply Chain Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the global supply chain operations, including the design and leadership of a scalable and resilient global supply chain capability that enables rapid growth through new products and new routes to market—delivering reliable customer promise (OTIF/OTD), optimised working capital, controlled supply risk, and strengthened supplier performance across a multi-region footprint.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Create and Own the Global Supply Chain Strategy & Blueprint to deliver a future state supply chain plan aligned to growth, resilience, costs and services outcomes.
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global supply chain team, setting clear roles, goals, and performance expectations.
- Lead Integrated Business Planning (IBP & S&OP), to establish and run a governance cadence that aligns demand, supply, inventory and capacity.
- Define Inventory Strategy (right stock, right place, right time) setting inventory policies, reduce obsolescence risk, and improve global stock positioning.
- Strategic Sourcing & Contracting building category strategies, negotiate and manage supplier contracts, and optimise total cost.
- Own end-to-end Planning (Demand, Supply, Inventory, Capacity) to improve forecast accuracy and supply responsiveness.
- Supplier Performance Management (OTIF, lead time, reliability) implementing supplier segmentation, scorecards, and governance.
- Supplier Development & Supply-Base Capability Uplift across all manufacturing and development activities.
- Supplier Quality Leadership (SQE) with Clear Governance.
- Logistics & Distribution Performance, reducing dependency on premium freight.
- Data, Systems & KPI Framework Improve planning/data maturity across fragmented systems.
GENERAL:
- Support projects and carry out any other duties as required by the organisation.
- Attend meetings and training courses when necessary.
- Maintain a flexible approach to all aspects of the job.
- Abide by company rules and regulations as detailed in the Staff Handbook.
- Treat all company information with confidentiality.
- Put the needs of our customers and suppliers first.
- Encourage and foster a helpful environment where teamwork and continuous improvement prevail.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Strategic, commercially minded leader who can translate growth goals into executable supply chain capability.
- Strong executive communication—able to present scenarios, trade-offs and recommendations to Board-level audiences.
- Comfortable leading teams across geographies, time zones and cultures.
- Deep expertise in IBP/S&OP, demand planning, supply planning, inventory policy design.
- Strong procurement and strategic sourcing capability within an Engineering environment.
- Proven supplier performance management and supplier development experience.
- Working knowledge of supplier quality engineering practices and governance.
- Strong systems and data fluency and performance reporting.
- Willingness to travel internationally as and when required.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated experience in progressive supply chain leadership roles within engineering/manufacturing/distribution environments.
- Demonstrated leadership of an end-to-end supply chain function spanning planning, procurement & logistics.
- Proven track record improving OTIF/OTD, reducing expedite freight, and balancing service vs working capital.
- Experience operating across multi-site / international networks and managing international suppliers.
- Experience supporting NPI/NPD ramp-ups and integrating suppliers into product industrialisation.
- Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business or similar.
- Professional certifications such as APICS CPIM/CSCP or equivalent CIPS for senior procurement leadership credibility.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Group Supply Chain Director employer: Slingco
At Slingco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including enhanced pension contributions, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment. Located in the heart of Lancashire, our head office provides a vibrant setting where you can contribute to high-quality products that make a difference across various critical sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Supply Chain Director
✨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 Slingco, 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 Group Supply Chain Director.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Supply Chain Director
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 Slingco. 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 Slingco 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 Slingco
✨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 Slingco.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Slingco
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Slingco 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!
