Head Of Supply Chain - Chilled

Baseline Recruit Ltd; Buxton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected FMCG company is seeking a Head of Supply Chain - Chilled Food to lead the supply chain strategy for packaged cheese. This role involves managing complex supply chains, optimizing cold chain logistics, and championing sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in FMCG, strong leadership skills, and a passion for packaging innovation. The position offers a competitive salary and an opportunity for career advancement.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Board-level visibility and influence

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level experience in managing complex supply chains within chilled food or packaging.
• Experience in sourcing packaging and raw materials globally.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the end-to-end supply chain strategy for packaged cheese.
• Lead and inspire cross-functional teams across procurement, planning, logistics.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure reliable, cost-effective sourcing.

Skills

Senior-level experience managing complex supply chains

Deep expertise in cold chain logistics

Strong negotiation skills

Passion for packaging innovation

Leadership in FMCG environments

Job description

Overview

As the Head of Supply Chain - Chilled Food, you\'ll be at the forefront of delivering high-quality, packaged products to millions of customers. Leading a talented team across planning, logistics, and procurement, you\'ll shape a supply chain.

You will bring proven senior-level experience in managing complex supply chains within chilled food, ideally within chilled or packaging-intensive categories. Deep expertise in cold chain logistics and short shelf-life product management. A strong track record of leading and developing high-performing teams in fast-paced FMCG environments. Experience of sourcing packaging and raw materials globally, with excellent negotiation skills. Passion for packaging innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Core Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the end-to-end supply chain strategy for packaged cheese, ensuring alignment with commercial, quality, and customer service objectives.
• Lead and inspire cross-functional teams across procurement, planning, logistics, and packaging operations.
• Oversee demand and production planning, balancing short shelf-life challenges with customer expectations to minimise waste and maximise service levels.
• Manage stock levels of chilled product and packaging materials, optimising availability and reducing obsolescence.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure reliable, cost-effective sourcing and develop long-term strategic partnerships.
• Optimise distribution and cold chain logistics to achieve best-in-class OTIF delivery to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice customers.
• Champion sustainability initiatives, including recyclable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
• Monitor and improve KPIs across waste, cost-to-serve, OTIF, packaging efficiency, and carbon footprint.
• Drive continuous improvement, leveraging automation, data, and technology to increase efficiency and resilience.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience managing complex supply chains within chilled food or packaging-intensive categories.
• Deep expertise in cold chain logistics and short shelf-life product management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in fast-paced FMCG environments.
• Experience sourcing packaging and raw materials globally with excellent negotiation skills.
• Strong passion for packaging innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Employer Value Proposition

• Be part of a growing, respected FMCG business with a strong market presence.
• Lead a critical function with board-level visibility and influence.
• Drive change in packaging innovation and sustainability.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career progression into broader operations or executive leadership roles.