Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing

Vibe Recruit; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing to drive strategy and operations across manufacturing sites. The role requires extensive experience in supply chain management and a strong background in the food industry. Responsibilities include developing strategies, overseeing procurement, and managing logistics to ensure efficiency and compliance. Join to shape a best-in-class function focusing on operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in supply chain and manufacturing, ideally in food industry.
• Proven track record in delivering performance improvements.
• Experience in procurement and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a supply chain strategy.
• Lead sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Oversee demand planning and production scheduling.
• Manage warehousing and logistics.
• Provide strategic direction to production teams.

Skills

Leadership experience in supply chain

Knowledge of production and quality management

Problem-solving and decision-making

People management

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Degree in business, manufacturing, or related discipline

Food Safety qualification (Level 3 or above)

Management qualification (Level 5 or equivalent)

Job description

Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing

We are seeking a commercially minded and operationally strong Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing to lead our supply chain strategy and operations across two manufacturing sites. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this senior leadership role carries full accountability for procurement, planning, logistics, inventory, and production performance.

The successful candidate will bring both strategic vision and hands-on leadership, with a proven track record of building efficient, resilient, and scalable supply chains. You will ensure our products are delivered on time, to specification, and in the most cost-effective way, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy - Develop and deliver a supply chain strategy that supports growth, improves service levels, and drives efficiency across procurement, planning, and logistics.

• Procurement & Supplier Management - Lead sourcing, supplier negotiations, and long-term partnerships to deliver value, quality, and reliability.

• Planning & Inventory - Oversee demand planning, production scheduling, and stock management to minimise waste, optimise resources, and ensure total food safety and quality compliance.

• Logistics & Distribution - Manage warehousing and outbound logistics, ensuring accurate and timely deliveries.

• Manufacturing Oversight - Provide strategic direction to production teams, driving improvements in safety, productivity, and quality.

• Data & Systems - Champion ERP and supply chain systems, using data to improve forecasting, visibility, and decision-making.

• Team Development - Build and inspire a high-performing operations team, setting clear goals and supporting career progression.

• Collaboration - Partner with Commercial, Finance, Product, and Quality teams to align supply chain objectives with wider business priorities.

• Compliance & Risk - Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards while proactively managing risks.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree (or equivalent) in business, manufacturing, or a related discipline.

• Significant leadership experience in supply chain and manufacturing, ideally within the food industry.

• Strong knowledge of production, quality, maintenance, and materials management.

• Proven track record in delivering performance improvements and operational efficiency.

• Experience in procurement, contract negotiation, and supplier management.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with sound commercial judgment.

• Effective people manager with relevant HR knowledge and a participative leadership style.

• Food Safety qualification (Level 3 or above).

• Management qualification (Level 5 or equivalent, e.g. ILM, NVQ).

Competencies

• Strong analytical and data-driven approach.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Confident communicator and influencer at all levels.

• Project management skills with a continuous improvement mindset.

• High integrity, sound judgment, and results-oriented.

• Effective team player who builds positive relationships.

This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a best-in-class supply chain and manufacturing function, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and operational excellence.

Vibe Recruit is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.