At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain optimisation, driving efficiency and innovation across retail operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail company focused on transforming supply chain processes.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working locations, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to shape the future of retail.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of supply chain innovation, making a real impact on customer experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 5+ years in supply chain optimisation required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Supply Chain Optimisation | Retail | National | £80k
Can be based in DEVON, BRISTOL, SUFFOLK or LEEDS.
Purpose
As Head of Network Optimisation, you\'ll be the strategic lead for making the overall supply chain smarter, faster, and more efficient-both in-store and online. You\'ll have the opportunity to design and implement impactful change across the network, from short-term wins to long-term structural innovation. Think automation, analytics, resilience, and real growth.
This role sits within a newly formed Supply Chain Team.
You\'ll work cross-functionally with stakeholders across Retail, Finance, and Tech, making data-led decisions that shape the future of how we serve our customers. If you\'re a commercially minded leader with a passion for operational excellence and a love of solving complex problems, this is your moment.
The role as Head of Network Optimisation:
Network Optimisation Strategy:
- Lead the development and delivery of a high-impact supply chain roadmap focused on cost, speed, scalability, and quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with key teams (Finance, Retail, IT, Logistics) to identify and execute optimisation opportunities across the end-to-end supply chain.
Innovation & Automation:
- Bring in cutting-edge thinking. Leverage automation, digital tools, and analytics to enhance performance and future-proof our operations.
Performance Monitoring & Insights:
- Define KPIs and lead performance deep-dives. Use data to tell compelling stories and influence strategic decision-making at the highest level.
Growth Enablement:
- Build a flexible, resilient network ready to scale with our business-supporting long-term capacity planning, sustainability, and customer promise.
Who we\'re looking for
Must-Have Experience:
- Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years in supply chain / logistics optimisation or network design, ideally in retail or FMCG.
- Experience in omnichannel environments and operational execution.
- Strong grasp of planning, inventory management, and supply chain systems.
Skills & Traits:
- Confident project leader with strong stakeholder management.
- Analytical mindset with exceptional data interpretation skills.
- Hands-on, energetic leadership style with a collaborative, solutions-first approach.
- Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office.
Bonus Points For:
- Financial acumen (P&L experience, budgeting).
- Experience with Tableau, Power BI, SAP APO/IBP.
- Knowledge of sustainable supply chain practices.
- Familiarity with tools like Supply Chain Guru or similar optimisation platforms.
- BBBH: 34010
Head of Supply Chain in Exeter employer: Zachary Daniels
As a leading retailer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful change in the supply chain landscape. Located in vibrant areas such as Devon, Bristol, Suffolk, or Leeds, our work environment is dynamic and supportive, making it an ideal place for passionate professionals to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the supply chain and logistics field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with others who may have insights or opportunities related to the Head of Supply Chain role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in supply chain optimisation, particularly in retail and FMCG sectors. Being well-versed in automation, analytics, and sustainability practices will help you stand out during discussions with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in driving performance improvements and implementing innovative solutions that align with the responsibilities of the Head of Supply Chain.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and recent initiatives in supply chain management. Tailoring your conversations to reflect our mission and demonstrating how your vision aligns with ours can significantly enhance your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain optimisation, logistics, and network design. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for operational excellence and problem-solving. Mention how your background aligns with the role's requirements, particularly your experience in omnichannel environments and your analytical mindset.
Highlight Key Achievements:When detailing your work experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, discuss how you improved supply chain efficiency or reduced costs through innovative strategies and automation.
Showcase Relevant Skills:Emphasise your proficiency in tools like Excel, Tableau, and any supply chain optimisation platforms you've used. Highlight your project leadership skills and your ability to interpret data to influence strategic decisions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zachary Daniels
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As the Head of Supply Chain Optimisation, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare to discuss your vision for optimising supply chains, including specific examples of how you've successfully implemented change in previous roles.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to share experiences where you've effectively collaborated with finance, retail, or IT departments to achieve common goals. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Given the emphasis on data-led decision-making, prepare to discuss how you've used analytics to drive performance improvements. Bring examples of KPIs you've defined and how you've used data to influence strategic decisions.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Automation
The company is looking for someone who can bring cutting-edge thinking to the table. Be prepared to talk about any innovative solutions or automation tools you've implemented in past roles, and how they contributed to operational excellence.
