Head of Network Optimisation

Zachary Daniels; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Network Optimisation in Ipswich. This pivotal role involves shaping the supply chain strategy, working collaboratively with various business functions, and leveraging automation and analytics to drive efficiency. Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant field and over five years of experience in supply chain optimisation within retail or FMCG environments. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and proficiency in analytical tools are essential. The position offers a competitive salary of £80,000 per year, alongside opportunities for innovation and impact.

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 of a supply chain roadmap focused on cost, speed, scalability, and quality.
• Partner with key teams to identify optimisation opportunities.
• Monitor performance and define KPIs using data to influence decisions.

Skills

Project Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Data Interpretation

Analytical Mindset

Collaboration

Proficiency in Excel

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or Engineering

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

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