Head of Network Optimisation

Zachary Daniels; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking a Head of Network Optimisation to streamline its supply chain operations. This strategic leadership role involves developing impactful supply chain strategies, collaborating cross-functionally, and utilizing data to drive innovation and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, experience in retail or FMCG, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a high-impact supply chain roadmap focused on cost, speed, scalability, and quality.
• Partner with key teams to identify and execute optimisation opportunities.
• Leverage automation and analytics to enhance performance and future-proof operations.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Stakeholder management

Proficient in Excel

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

SAP APO/IBP

Job description

Head of Network Optimisation / Supply Chain | Retail | National | £80k

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