Head of Supply Chain Optimisation (Ref: 187549) in South West

Job description

Role: Head of Supply Chain Transformation

Location: South West

Type: Full time on site

Salary: up to £80k

Contact: annabel.hotchkiss@forsythbarnes.com

Overview of the Head of Supply Chain Transformation

Looking for a new challenge?

We are partnering with an expanding retailer who are seeking a Head of Supply Chain Optimisation to join their team!

This is a strategic leadership role focused on transforming and enhancing the end-to-end supply chain to support innovation, scalability, and operational excellence across both retail and online channels.

As the Head of Supply Chain Optimisation, you’ll lead initiatives that improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service quality—driving both short-term wins and long-term transformation. You’ll be a strategic thinker and hands-on leader, bringing a customer-centric, analytical, and collaborative approach to supply chain design, performance, and innovation.

You will take ownership of the function, working closely with the CSO.

Responsibilities of the Role:

Network Optimisation Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain optimisation roadmap.
• Improve network performance across cost, quality, and delivery speed.
• Ensure supply chain capabilities align with the broader business strategy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Finance, Retail, Logistics, IT, and other key teams to identify and implement optimisation opportunities.
• Lead workshops and performance reviews to drive alignment and continuous improvement.
• Model and assess network scenarios to guide strategic decisions.

Innovation & Automation

• Champion the integration of digital tools and automation across operations.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and apply best-in-class practices.
• Oversee key infrastructure and business continuity initiatives.

Performance Monitoring

• Define and track KPIs to monitor and enhance supply chain performance.
• Deliver actionable insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Conduct operational deep dives to identify areas for improvement.

Scalability & Growth Enablement

• Ensure the network is agile, resilient, and capable of scaling with growth.
• Support capacity planning and long-term cost optimisation.
• Align network design with the company’s growth and innovation roadmap.

Requirements of the role:

Essential Experience

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years in supply chain optimisation or network design, ideally in retail.
• Experience in omnichannel environments and operational roles (Planning, FMCG, etc.).
• Strong understanding of planning, inventory, and execution.

Essential Skills

• Exceptional project management and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• High-energy, hands-on leadership style with a collaborative mindset.
• Advanced Excel skills and Microsoft Office proficiency.

Desirable

• Financial acumen and P&L experience.
• Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, SAP APO/IBP.
• Knowledge of sustainable supply chain practices.
• Experience with Supply Chain Guru or similar planning tools.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

South West

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

20-07-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English