At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise our supply chain performance while managing a talented team.
- Company: Join Vegetarian Express, a certified B Corporation revolutionising plant-based food service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, health plan, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth during an exciting period of change.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company making a positive impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in supply chain management, strong leadership, and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Location: Watford WD24 7RY, hybrid
Salary: Competitive salary DOE
Job Type: Full Time, Fixed term [12 months - from October 26]
Vegetarian Express specialise in delivering plant-based ingredients, ideas and inspiration to chefs across the UK for eating out of home. With the astronomical rise in popularity of plant-based, vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets, we're uniquely placed in foodservice to meet this demand - and we're growing fast. Nationally we supply more than 4,000 skilled chefs from customers such as Compass, Baxterstorey and CH&Co, as well as a huge range of independent operators and events including the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon and Wembley Stadium. We're proud to be a certified B Corporation - part of a growing number of progressive businesses who believe in the power of business to do good and are doing something about it.
The role: We're looking for an experienced Supply Chain Manager to join us on a fixed-term contract covering maternity leave (12 months, from October 2026), owning end-to-end supply chain performance including demand planning, stock health, inbound logistics and supplier performance. You'll manage supplier forecasting, develop our forecasting tools and ways of working that our Supply Chain Planner and wider team deliver against day to day, working closely with Procurement and Operations. This is a line management role with responsibility for our Supply Chain Planner and reportable to our Purchasing and Supply Chain Director. You'll also play a part in an important period of operational change for the business as we continue to scale, so experience supporting teams through change is a real advantage.
What you'll be doing:
- Line-managing and developing our Supply Chain Planner - setting objectives, reviewing performance, building capability
- Owning availability, stock health and wastage targets, and the plan to hit them
- Acting as escalation point for supply issues needing cross-functional or supplier-level resolution
- Owning supplier delivery performance strategy alongside our Procurement Manager
- Setting inventory strategy - stock holding, MOQ negotiations, stock day targets
- Driving continuous improvement in forecasting, planning tools and process automation
- Representing supply chain in wider business planning during a period of change
What we're looking for:
- 4+ years' experience leading a supply chain function, ideally within food
- Previous line management experience with a proven track record of developing others
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-function matrix working
- Comfortable managing a complex product range, at pace, through change
- Strong analytical skills; intermediate Excel essential
- Confident communicator, able to influence and lead at all levels
What's in it for you:
- Competitive basic salary, dependent on experience
- 25 days holiday plus public holidays (option to purchase up to 3 additional days)
- Cash health plan (money back for dentist, opticians, physio and more)
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Staff discount on all products
- Pension (3% employer, 5% employee)
- Hybrid working - office days to flex around business needs
- 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Candidates with experience of: Senior Supply Chain Officer, Supply Chain Co-ordinator, Supply Chain Planner, Buying Project Manager, Purchasing Manager, Supply Chain Team Leader, Supply Chain Supervisor may also be considered for this role.
Supply Chain Manager - Maternity Cover in Watford employer: Vegetarian Express Careers
Vegetarian Express is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Watford that champions plant-based innovation and sustainability. As a certified B Corporation, we prioritise meaningful work and employee development, providing opportunities for growth and a supportive culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. With competitive benefits including a cash health plan, generous holiday allowance, and hybrid working options, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally while making a positive impact in the foodservice industry.
Contact Details:
Vegetarian Express Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Manager - Maternity Cover in Watford
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Vegetarian Express Careers and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Vegetarian Express Careers!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Vegetarian Express Careers keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Manager - Maternity Cover in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Vegetarian Express Careers:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Vegetarian Express Careers. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vegetarian Express Careers
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Vegetarian Express Careers.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Vegetarian Express Careers that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Vegetarian Express Careers. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
