Director Supply Chain Operations in Plymouth

A leading international components manufacturing group is seeking an Interim Supply Chain & Operations Director to lead its distribution, supply chain and operational functions across multiple sites in the UK. Operating as a full‑service provider, the group supports customers from early‑stage design and technical engineering through to global logistics solutions such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). The UK network includes a national distribution centre, regional offices across the UK and warehousing/satellite operations in multiple locations.

Reporting to the UK Managing Director and the Board, this is a senior leadership role with responsibility for supply chain, distribution and customer service teams across the UK. The position will be based ideally in the West Midlands and requires regular travel between company sites and customers across the UK.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of coming into a business and being able to influence and drive tangible change in a business. This is an interim role.

• Lead and develop the Heads of Supply Chain & Distribution ensuring clear direction, collaboration and high performance.
• Undertake a comprehensive review of UK operations; assessing strengths, weaknesses, processes, team structures, site performance and operational delivery.
• Drive modernisation and technological improvement of the distribution centre.
• Develop and implement a clear operational and supply chain strategy that supports growth, service, efficiency and margin.
• Build strong relationships with key customers and suppliers, including visible engagement across sites.
• Gain a strong understanding of the telesales/customer service operations across the UK and work closely with the existing manager to optimise performance.
• Act as a visible, hands‑on leader across the UK network, bringing fresh impetus, clarity and structure to the operations and supply chain function.

Candidate profile of the Supply Chain & Operations Director:

• Proven track record of success in senior leadership roles within manufacturing/production and distribution environments (GM, Directorial level).
• Strong and demonstrable understanding of end‑to‑end supply chain activities.
• Balanced strategic and analytical thinker, equally comfortable setting direction, getting into detail and communicating clearly with the management team.
• Strong, confident character able to “manage up and down”, provide clear messaging and articulate a coherent operational ideology and plan.
• Recognised leadership style that combines high expectations with mentoring, development and support for direct reports.
• Appreciation of technological innovation and automation in engineering‑adjacent sectors; experience of automation projects would be a particular advantage.
• Dynamic, engaging individual who can inject energy into teams and favour a contemporary, collaborative management style.

This is a great opportunity for an Interim Supply Chain Operations Director to make real tangible difference to a business with global backing and a great infrastructure with multiple sites across the UK. You will be instrumental in driving change, mentoring and developing leaders and helping the business grow further still.

In return there is a great package; a significant opportunity to shape the future of the UK operations with a virtual “blank canvas” for an experienced leader to implement meaningful change and see tangible results quickly.