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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise supply chain operations in a dynamic life sciences environment.
- Company: Join a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Requires a degree and 7+ years in supply chain leadership, preferably in regulated sectors.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers passionate about operational excellence and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
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.
As the Head of Supply Chain, 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.
Supply Chain Manager | Supply Chain Lead | Site Supply Chain Head | Supply Chain Operations |Head of Supply Chain| Medical Devices | Life Sciences | Regulated Manufacturing | S&OP | Planning & Logistics | Warehouse
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 events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at companies like Walker Cole International.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in supply chain management, particularly in high-volume environments. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements in previous roles. Use metrics and KPIs to illustrate your impact, as this will resonate well with hiring managers looking for results-oriented candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Walker Cole International thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent projects. Tailoring your conversations to align with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
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 list your skills that match the job requirements, such as experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and methodologies like Six Sigma or Kaizen. Use bullet points for clarity and impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in supply chain management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker Cole International
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Supply Chain, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, improved processes, or driven performance against KPIs. This will show the interviewers that you have the necessary experience to lead their supply chain operations.
✨Understand the Industry and Company
Research the life sciences sector and the specific company you're interviewing with. Familiarise yourself with their products, challenges, and competitors. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific supply chain challenges. Think of examples where you've successfully solved problems related to inventory management, material flow, or supplier collaboration. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Since the role requires a continuous improvement mindset, be ready to discuss any initiatives you've led or been part of. Talk about methodologies like Six Sigma or Kaizen that you've used to enhance supply chain efficiency and how these experiences can benefit the company.
