At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the supply chain team to ensure efficient product flow and availability.
- Company: Established FMCG organisation with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, competitive pension, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Drive operational efficiency and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Supply Chain Management, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
- Other info: Enjoy early finishes on Fridays and opportunities for career advancement.
Our client, a well-established and growing organisation within the FMCG food and beverage sector, is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Supply Chain Manager to lead and develop their end-to-end supply chain function. This is a key leadership role, offering the opportunity to drive operational efficiency, improve service levels, and ensure product availability across a diverse brand portfolio.
Job Role
Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for the seamless, cost-effective flow of goods from procurement through to final customer delivery. You will lead a team covering demand planning, purchasing, and production (co-pack), delivering accurate, brand-focused forecasting and ensuring strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and motivate the Supply Chain team, managing three direct reports across distinct functions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with brand owners, co-packers, and service providers to ensure consistent supply and performance.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels through robust demand forecasting, data analysis, and proactive planning.
- Oversee purchasing and production orders, ensuring alignment with forecasts and business requirements.
- Develop and implement supply chain strategies that improve operational efficiency, service levels, and cost control.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks, implementing contingency plans where required.
- Utilise ERP systems and data tools to track KPIs, generate performance reports, and support decision-making.
- Measure supplier performance monthly using Supplier Scorecards and drive continuous improvement.
- Monitor inventory turnover ratios, slow-moving, and obsolete SKUs, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
- Ensure supply chain visibility across demand and inventory to support high levels of customer service delivery.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams including S&OP, Customer Services, Commercial, and Finance to align supply chain activities with business needs.
- Lead and contribute to fortnightly S&OP reviews, providing accurate data, insights, and recommendations.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across systems, processes, and ways of working.
- Undertake ad hoc projects and tasks to support the wider business as required.
Personal Profile
- Minimum of 5 yearsβ experience in Supply Chain Management or a similar role, ideally within FMCG.
- Strong experience working to KPIs and performance targets in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly organised with excellent time management and the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Confident communicator with a collaborative and proactive approach.
- Advanced Excel skills with strong overall MS Office capability.
- Experience of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) is highly desirable.
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and Slimstock would be advantageous.
- Detail-oriented, consistent, and accountable, with a flexible and positive attitude.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Early finish on Fridays, Hybrid working with up to 2 days per week working from home.
Package: Private Healthcare, Competitive Pension, Discretionary Bonus, Staff Discount, Car Lease Scheme, Group Income Protection, Life Assurance, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and birthday).
To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming-Nash. Please include current salary details within your application. Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Supply Chain Manager in Ashley employer: The People Co
Contact Detail:
The People Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager in Ashley
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Supply Chain Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around operational efficiency and collaboration with stakeholders. Show them you mean business!
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to each application, highlighting your relevant experience in demand planning and inventory management.
β¨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager in Ashley
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead teams and improve operational efficiency.
Showcase Your Skills: Donβt forget to emphasise your analytical and problem-solving skills. Mention your experience with KPIs and how you've used data tools to drive performance, as this is key for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to include your current salary details and reference the job code to help us identify your application quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co
β¨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the end-to-end supply chain process, especially in the FMCG sector. Brush up on key concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and supplier relationships. This will help you speak confidently about how you can drive operational efficiency.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Supply Chain Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
β¨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves utilising ERP systems and data tools, come prepared with examples of how you've used data analysis to improve supply chain performance. Discuss any KPIs you've tracked and how your insights led to actionable improvements in your previous positions.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential supply chain risks and how you would mitigate them. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.