At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the supply chain strategy and ensure efficient product flow in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturing business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Above market salary, performance bonuses, and enhanced benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with long-term career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply chain management while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in supply chain leadership within fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Supply Chain Manager to join a leading food manufacturing business. This is a strategic leadership role with responsibility for the end-to-end supply chain function, ensuring products, materials, and information move efficiently through the business while maintaining exceptional customer service levels, operational performance, and cost control.
The successful candidate will lead planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and supplier management activities while playing a key role in supporting business growth and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Role
Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will be responsible for developing and delivering the supply chain strategy, ensuring alignment with customer demand, production capability, and wider business objectives. You will lead high-performing teams across planning, materials management, procurement, warehousing, and logistics, driving operational excellence while maintaining a strong focus on service, quality, cost, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Supply Chain Leadership
- Develop and execute the site's supply chain strategy to support business growth and customer requirements.
- Lead integrated planning activities, balancing customer demand with operational capacity.
- Drive long-term supply planning, inventory optimisation, and service performance.
- Provide strategic leadership across all supply chain functions.
- Planning & Inventory Management
- Oversee forecasting, demand planning, and supply planning activities.
- Ensure effective production scheduling and material availability.
- Optimise inventory levels while reducing waste and excess stock.
- Drive improvements in planning accuracy and supply chain visibility.
- Procurement & Supplier Performance
- Lead procurement activities across raw materials, packaging, and indirect spend categories.
- Develop strong supplier partnerships and negotiate commercial agreements.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement initiatives.
- Manage supply risks through robust contingency planning and sourcing strategies.
- Warehousing & Logistics
- Oversee warehousing and distribution operations.
- Manage logistics providers and external supply chain partners.
- Drive improvements in service performance, efficiency, and cost management.
- Ensure full product traceability and supply chain compliance.
- Continuous Improvement
- Champion lean thinking and operational excellence throughout the supply chain.
- Lead system and process improvements to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
- Utilise data and analytics to drive performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support business transformation and digitalisation initiatives.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, quality, environmental, and customer standards.
- Maintain audit readiness across all supply chain functions.
- Support sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction, efficiency, and environmental performance.
The Person
We are keen to speak with experienced supply chain leaders who possess:
- Significant senior supply chain leadership experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, or other fast-moving production environments.
- Proven success managing planning, procurement, logistics, warehousing, and materials functions.
- Strong understanding of retailer supply chains and customer service requirements.
- Experience operating in complex, high-volume environments with fluctuating demand.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Experience using ERP, MRP, and advanced planning systems.
- Degree qualification in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
What's on Offer?
- Above market salary package
- Performance-related bonus
- Enhanced benefits package
- Opportunity to shape and influence supply chain strategy
- Senior leadership role within a growing business
- Long-term career progression opportunities
- Collaborative and ambitious working environment
This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic supply chain professional seeking a high-impact leadership position within a successful and growing manufacturing business.
If you would like to have a confidential discussion around this role or any other potential opportunities, email or call.
Senior Supply Chain Manager employer: VANRATH
Join a leading food manufacturing business that prioritises employee growth and offers an above-market salary alongside an enhanced benefits package. With a collaborative and ambitious work culture, you will have the opportunity to shape supply chain strategy while working in a high-impact leadership role that supports continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives. This is an ideal environment for experienced supply chain leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Supply Chain Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain industry and let them know you're on the lookout for new 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 supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like procurement and logistics. Show them you’re the strategic leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Supply Chain Manager role. We want to see your application and help you take the next step in your career journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Supply Chain Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight your experience in supply chain leadership, procurement, and logistics, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and supported business growth in previous positions.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use quantifiable results to show how your strategic leadership has improved supply chain performance, reduced costs, or enhanced customer service levels in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the end-to-end supply chain process, especially in the food manufacturing sector. Brush up on key concepts like inventory optimisation, procurement strategies, and logistics management. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Supply Chain Manager, you'll be leading teams across various functions. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your experience in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to balance customer demand with operational capacity or manage supplier performance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Align with Their Business Goals
Research the company’s current supply chain strategy and any recent news or developments. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, particularly around sustainability and efficiency. Showing that you understand their business context will set you apart from other candidates.
