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- Tasks: Lead end-to-end supply chain operations in a dynamic life sciences environment.
- Company: Join Walker Cole International, a global leader in life sciences production.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a regulated industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Requires a degree in Supply Chain or related field and 7+ years of experience.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers passionate about operational excellence in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Walker Cole International is searching for a Head of Supply Chain to join a global life sciences business at their high-volume, regulated production site in the Southwest of England. As the Head of Supply Chain, you will lead end-to-end supply chain operations—including planning, procurement, warehousing, and material flow.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Lead site-based supply chain operations, including demand and supply planning, material purchasing, and warehouse management.
- Drive performance against key KPIs such as OTD, inventory, material availability, and warehouse throughput using structured continuous improvement tools.
- Own the site master production plan, ensuring alignment with S&OP and live sales demand to drive material requirements.
- Collaborate with suppliers and downstream distribution partners to ensure reliable inbound and outbound product flow.
- Provide leadership and development to planners, buyers, and warehouse staff, fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
- Ensure warehouse and material flow operations support regulated production and optimized working capital.
- Partner closely with Operations and Site Leadership to ensure successful manufacturing execution.
- Lead problem-solving efforts and supply risk mitigation related to raw materials, production, and distribution.
To be successful as a Head of Supply Chain, you will have:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of supply chain or operations leadership experience in a high-volume, regulated manufacturing environment (ideally life sciences or medical devices).
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in demand planning, S&OP, Kanban, inventory management, and warehouse leadership.
- Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
- Continuous improvement mindset with experience in tools like Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
- Strategic thinker with proven ability to lead and influence across functions.
Head of Supply Chain employer: Walker Cole International
Contact Detail:
Walker Cole International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the life sciences and regulated manufacturing sectors. Attend industry conferences or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in supply chain management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific ERP systems mentioned in the job description, such as SAP or Oracle. Consider taking online courses or certifications to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to mastering these tools.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with continuous improvement methodologies like Six Sigma or Kaizen. Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented these strategies in previous roles to improve supply chain performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Walker Cole International and their operations in the life sciences sector. Understanding their company culture and values will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain management, particularly in high-volume and regulated environments. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific achievements related to KPIs like OTD and inventory management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supply chain operations and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and continuous improvement mindset.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in demand planning, S&OP, and familiarity with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since the role requires leading teams, provide examples of how you've developed and managed teams in previous positions. Discuss your approach to fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence within your teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker Cole International
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Supply Chain role. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as demand planning and warehouse management, so you can discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and leadership style. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led supply chain operations or improved processes using methodologies like Six Sigma or Kaizen.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Be ready to discuss your familiarity with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle. Highlight any specific projects where you utilised these systems to enhance supply chain efficiency, as this will demonstrate your technical competence.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role requires a strategic mindset, so be prepared to discuss how you've influenced cross-functional teams in previous roles. Share examples of how you've aligned supply chain operations with broader business goals, particularly in regulated environments.
