Global Director of Supply Chain & Operations

BARBOUR; Jarrow; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading lifestyle brand in the UK is seeking a Global Director of Supply Chain & Operations to oversee and innovate supply chain strategies. This role requires a visionary leader with proven experience in global supply chains, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to lead a high-performing team. The position is based in Jarrow and offers various benefits, including a discretionary company bonus and healthcare plan.

Benefits

Discretionary Company bonus scheme

Staff discount

Healthcare cash plan

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading global supply chain operations at a strategic level.
• Deep expertise in apparel manufacturing, global sourcing, and omnichannel fulfilment.
• Experience of sourcing & visiting Far East based suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the end-to-end supply chain strategy.
• Align supply chain capabilities with commercial and customer strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of supply chain leaders.

Skills

Global supply chain operations management

Apparel manufacturing expertise

Team leadership

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Tools

ERP systems (e.g. Infor M3)

Excel

Job description

Company Description

The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour's wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re‑waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re‑Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.

Position Overview

We are currently recruiting for a Global Director of Supply Chain & Operations (End to End) to join our Global Supply Chain team, based at Barbour House, South Shields. We are seeking a dynamic, visionary, and commercially astute leader to take full ownership of our global supply chain and operations. This senior leadership role is accountable for designing and executing an end-to-end supply chain strategy, from sourcing and procurement through manufacturing, logistics, and fulfilment, ensuring it is agile, scalable, and aligned with our ambitious growth plans.

Success in this role will be defined by tangible results, specifically:

• On‑time product availability at the right cost
• Achievement of production cost and margin targets
• Consistently excellent quality standards
• High service levels through logistics at optimal cost
• Uncompromising ethical and regulatory compliance

Without excellence in these outcomes, the business cannot succeed, this is the core measure of impact.

The Director will lead through a team of departmental heads while providing strategic oversight, governance, and cross‑functional alignment. However, this is not a purely high‑level role: we need someone who can set the vision and also dive into the details when necessary – someone who combines strategic thinking with operational involvement.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with peers across Product, Commercial, Finance, and Technology to ensure supply chain capabilities accelerate business performance and deliver sustainable competitive advantage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Supply Chain Leadership

• Develop and execute the end‑to‑end supply chain strategy to support seasonal calendars, product lead times, and long‑term growth objectives.
• Align supply chain capabilities with commercial, product, and customer strategies.
• Partner with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Sales to align supply chain capabilities with commercial goals.
• Drive agility and speed‑to‑market while maintaining cost controls and sustainability targets.
• Lead strategic planning and scenario modelling to anticipate risks and opportunities

Global Sourcing & Procurement and Quality Assurance

• Provide strategic oversight of sourcing, procurement, and quality assurance functions.
• Approve sourcing strategies and supplier portfolios in collaboration with the Head of Sourcing.
• Ensure robust quality frameworks and compliance with brand, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Monitor supplier performance, risk exposure, and diversification strategies.
• Champion supplier innovation, sustainability, and long‑term partnerships

Logistics, Fulfilment & Distribution

• Provide strategic direction and governance for global logistics and distribution, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer experience goals.
• Partner with the logistics team to review and optimise inbound and outbound logistics strategies, including freight, customs, and warehousing.
• Oversee the development of long‑term distribution strategies for wholesale and DTC/e‑commerce channels, ensuring scalability and cost efficiency.
• Monitor performance of warehousing, transportation, and 3PL partnerships at a portfolio level, driving continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
• Champion initiatives to enhance service levels, reduce lead times, and optimise the global logistics network for resilience and sustainability

Manufacturing & Operations

• Set strategic direction for internal and external manufacturing operations.
• Ensure production meets quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Promote lean manufacturing, process optimisation, and operational innovation.

Sustainability & Compliance

• Embed sustainable sourcing, circularity, and responsible manufacturing into the supply chain operating model.
• Oversee and monitor adherence to regulatory, ethical, and environmental standards across all supply partners.
• Lead risk management strategies across supply chain functions, including geopolitical, financial, and operational risks.

Technology & Data

• Leverage ERP and supply chain technologies (e.g. Infor M3, PIM) to enhance visibility and decision‑making.
• Drive digital transformation across supply chain functions, including automation, AI, and predictive analytics.
• Implement tools for scenario planning, performance tracking, and strategic forecasting.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of supply chain leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear objectives, monitor KPIs, and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Influence cross‑functional collaboration and strategic alignment across departments.

Skills and Experience

• Proven track record in leading global supply chain operations at a strategic level.
• Deep expertise in apparel manufacturing, global sourcing, and omnichannel fulfilment.
• Experience in scaling supply chains to support international growth and complexity.
• Proven ability to drive change and manage complex projects effectively.
• Strong people and relationship management skills, aligning teams and departments toward common goals.
• Solution‑focused with a continuous improvement mindset, comfortable navigating ambiguity and change.
• Collaborative, open‑minded approach that encourages discussion and continuous improvement.
• Willingness for global travel to support when needed suppliers and manufacturers.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to influence and drive change at all levels of the company.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with a passion for developing and empowering teams.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication and planning skills.
• Detail‑driven but always thinking big picture, a strong ability to plan ahead, identify and mitigate risks, whilst ensuring day to day challenges are managed adeptly
• Adaptability and resilience – you thrive under pressure and love solving problems.
• Experience managing customer service functions.
• Experience managing international supply chains and working with overseas factories.
• Experience of sourcing & visiting Far East based suppliers.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Excel and ERP system.

Benefits

• Discretionary Company bonus scheme
• Staff discount
• Staff shop
• Healthcare cash plan
• 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen

Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.