Head of Supply Chain

Bis Henderson; Skelmersdale; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bis Henderson Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain to lead end-to-end supply chain activities in the Skelmersdale area, on-site. You will own strategic sourcing, demand planning, inventory control, quality assurance and ERP/MRP optimisation, working with Commercial, Finance and Operations to balance service levels with working capital while driving cost reductions.

The role requires a proven track record managing large SKU portfolios, strong negotiation, and hands-on

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in supply chain, procurement or operations.
• Experience managing a large SKU portfolio with varied demand patterns.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiating pricing, contracts and terms.
• Proven track record delivering cost savings and operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy across procurement, planning and logistics.
• Lead end-to-end supply chain operations including planning, inventory and supplier performance.
• Build scalable processes for a large SKU portfolio.
• Identify and remove bottlenecks, establish KPIs and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Finance, Operations and Sales to align priorities.
• Drive cost reductions, improve margins and optimise total cost of ownership.

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Procurement management

ERP/MRP systems

Demand forecasting

Inventory optimisation

Vendor negotiations

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Tools

ERP systems

MRP software

Job description

Salary: 60,000 - 70,000 plus benefits
Location: Skelmersdale area - on site full time.
Summary: We are seeking an experienced, commercially astute Head of Supply Chain to lead and optimise our end-to-end supply chain, from strategic sourcing and supplier management through demand planning, inventory control, quality assurance and operational execution. The ideal candidate will have experience managing a complex product portfolio with a high number of SKUs, a broad supplier base and multiple competing commercial and operational priorities. They will be a confident negotiator, capable of driving cost efficiencies, improving supplier terms, strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring product availability without compromising quality. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who combines strong commercial instincts with exceptional analytical capability, robust MRP/ERP expertise and a relentless focus on operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain strategy aligned with business growth, commercial objectives and customer requirements.
• Lead and optimise end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, demand and supply planning, inventory management, logistics and supplier performance.
• Build scalable processes capable of supporting a large and complex SKU portfolio.
• Identify operational inefficiencies, implement process improvements and establish clear KPIs across the supply chain.
• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, Operations, Quality and Sales teams to align priorities and deliver business objectives.
• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement activities across a large and diverse supplier base.
• Drive cost reduction, margin improvement and total cost of ownership initiatives without compromising quality or service.
• Develop robust supplier relationships while maintaining competitive tension and identifying alternative sourcing opportunities.
• Analyse supplier pricing, cost drivers, market dynamics and purchasing trends to identify opportunities for improved commercial performance.
• Own and continuously improve MRP processes, ensuring accurate material planning, purchasing recommendations and replenishment.
• Maximise the effectiveness of ERP systems, ensuring accurate master data, SKU parameters, supplier lead times, BOMs where applicable and inventory records.
• Drive forecasting accuracy, stock availability and inventory optimisation across a high-volume SKU portfolio.
• Balance service levels against working capital requirements, minimising excess stock, obsolescence, stockouts and unnecessary purchasing.
• Establish disciplined planning processes covering demand forecasting, supply planning, purchasing, capacity constraints and exception management.
• Use data and analytics to improve visibility, planning accuracy and decision-making throughout the supply chain

Key Skills/Experience:

• Significant experience in a senior supply chain, procurement or operations leadership role.
• Proven experience managing a large, complex SKU portfolio with varied demand patterns, lead times and replenishment requirements.
• Strong commercial acumen and demonstrable success negotiating pricing, supplier contracts and purchasing terms.
• Experience managing a large and diverse supplier base, including strategic supplier relationships and performance management.
• Deep practical knowledge of MRP, ERP systems and supply planning processes.
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, working capital and stock availability.
• Experience implementing and maintaining quality assurance systems and supplier quality processes.
• A track record of delivering cost savings, margin improvements and measurable operational efficiencies.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear commercial and operational decisions.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• A proactive, structured and solutions-oriented approach, with high standards of execution and accountability.

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All applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK as our client will not support visa sponsorship for this role.