At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform supply chain operations across multiple UK sites.
- Company: A leading international components manufacturing group with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ120,000, flexible day rate, and a chance to shape operations.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a blank canvas for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change and mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in manufacturing and distribution.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Please apply online or contact Sandeep Dhillon for a confidential conversation.
Director Supply Chain Operations in Southampton employer: Technical Network Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Technical Network Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Supply Chain Operations in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their supply chain processes and think about how your experience can bring value. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you’ve driven change in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to lead teams and improve operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Supply Chain Operations in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Supply Chain & Operations Director. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific achievements in supply chain management that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this interim role. Share your vision for driving change and how your past experiences can help shape the future of our operations.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your leadership style shine through in your application. Mention how you’ve mentored teams and driven performance improvements in previous roles, as this is key for us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Technical Network Recruitment
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain activities. Brush up on the latest trends in supply chain management and be ready to discuss how you can drive modernisation and technological improvements in the distribution centre.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, especially how you've mentored and developed teams in previous roles. Be ready to articulate how you balance high expectations with support for your direct reports, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would undertake a comprehensive review of operations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to assessing strengths and weaknesses, and how you would implement a clear operational strategy that supports growth and efficiency.
✨Build Relationships on the Spot
During the interview, focus on your ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders. Share examples of how you've engaged with customers and suppliers in the past, and be ready to discuss how you would foster collaboration across multiple sites.