At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise supply chain operations across EMEA for a leading sandwich brand.
- Company: Join Subway, a dynamic company focused on innovation and franchisee success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive time off, performance rewards, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and team celebrations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in supply chain management with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Ready to make your mark at the world's leading sandwich brand? At Subway, we're building something significant. Our mission is clear — to grow franchisee profitability, brand relevance, and long-term value — and our corporate teams sit at the heart of making that happen.
We're a business that believes in meritocracy. Results open doors here, and the people who thrive are those who bring accountability, strategic thinking, and a genuine drive to create long-term impact. You'll be empowered to think and act like an owner — because that's exactly what we need from our people. We move with pace and purpose. We adapt quickly, focus innovation where it counts, and aren't afraid to make bold decisions. Alongside that, integrity is non-negotiable — we hold ourselves to the highest standards in how we work, how we lead, and how we treat one another. And while we take our work seriously, we also know that the best results come from teams who celebrate progress, support each other, and bring real energy to what they do.
About the role:
We are searching for a Director, Supply Chain to support our EMEA team. The Director, Supply Chain is responsible for managing and optimising supply chain operations across the EMEA region, acting as the primary operational point of contact between Subway, third-party supply chain groups, and Master Franchisee partners. This role drives operational excellence, ensures compliance with contractual obligations and brand standards, and supports regional growth initiatives through proactive supply chain management and cross-functional collaboration. Reporting to the CFO, EMEA, the Director translates regional strategy into day-to-day execution, resolves supply chain challenges, and delivers data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison between Subway EMEA and third-party purchasing groups, ensuring consistent delivery against contractual SLAs, KPIs, and quality standards.
- Lead regular performance review meetings, driving continuous improvement and escalating risks or service failures to senior leadership as required.
- Manage supplier and vendor relationships, supporting commercial discussions and contract negotiations to secure cost-effective, high-quality supply chain solutions.
- Partner with Master Franchisee teams across EMEA to ensure supply chain solutions are fit for purpose in local markets while upholding brand, quality, and compliance standards.
- Provide hands-on guidance to franchisee partners on supply chain processes, approved supplier onboarding, and issue resolution.
- Support new market entries and product launches by coordinating supply chain readiness activities, and share best practices across the franchisee network.
- Monitor end-to-end supply chain performance across EMEA, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation and contingency strategies.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations, Subway quality standards, ethical sourcing requirements, and applicable local market legislation.
- Drive continuous improvement across inventory management, logistics, and distribution to optimise cost efficiency and service levels.
- Partner with QA, Marketing, Development, Operations, Legal, and Finance to align supply chain activities with broader business objectives.
- Ensure supply chain readiness for promotional campaigns, limited-time offers, and seasonal demand, acting as the supply chain representative on cross-functional project teams.
- Develop and maintain supply chain dashboards and reporting frameworks, translating data into clear, actionable insights and business cases for senior leadership.
Skills & Abilities:
- Proven experience managing third-party supply chain providers, logistics partners, and vendor relationships in a fast-paced, multi-market environment.
- Demonstrated ability to support franchise or master franchise models across culturally diverse markets, with strong familiarity with the EMEA regional landscape.
- Strong analytical capability and proficiency in supply chain reporting tools, with the ability to translate complex data into clear business insights.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience building trusted relationships across internal teams, external partners, and franchisee networks.
- Knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, and ethical sourcing standards within the QSR or FMCG industry.
- Fluency in English required; additional European language skills advantageous.
Additional requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- An MBA or postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business is advantageous; professional certifications such as CIPS, APICS/CSCP, or equivalent are beneficial.
- 10+ years' experience in supply chain management, preferably within QSR, FMCG, or a franchise-driven business.
- Demonstrated experience managing third-party supply chain providers and operating across multiple markets within EMEA.
- People management experience with 3+ years leading a direct team would be beneficial.
- Ownership mindset with accountability for results.
- Strategic, commercial, and impact-focused.
- Agile, decisive, and comfortable with change.
- High integrity and strong collaboration skills.
- Driven to deliver long-term value.
- Right to Work in United Kingdom.
What benefits will I receive?
- Competitive paid time off to rest, reset, and recharge.
- Reimbursements of various insurance plans.
- Performance based rewards and recognition - results truly matter here.
- Paid company holidays.
- Ongoing learning opportunities, training programs, and tools to support continuous growth.
- Office activities, team events, and celebrations that foster connection, collaboration, and energy at work.
Subway uses technology-assisted tools to support our recruitment process. These tools strictly help organize and sort applications based on job-related qualifications. All decisions are made by people - our recruiting team and hiring managers. If you have questions or would like to request an alternative review process, please let us know.
Director of Supply Chain - EMEA in London employer: Subway
As a Subway Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our company offers competitive benefits, a strong emphasis on teamwork, and opportunities for career advancement, all while being part of a globally recognised brand that values quality and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Supply Chain - EMEA 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 Subway, 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 Director of Supply Chain - EMEA.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Supply Chain - EMEA 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 Subway. 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 Subway 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 Subway
✨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 Subway.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Subway
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Subway 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!