Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing in Oakdale

Vibe Recruit; Oakdale; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing to oversee and enhance supply chain operations across two sites. The role requires strategic leadership, procurement management, and a proven ability to deliver operational efficiency within the food industry. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in manufacturing and strong food safety knowledge. This position offers an opportunity to shape a resilient and efficient supply chain team.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in supply chain and manufacturing, ideally in the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of production, quality, maintenance, and materials management.
• Proven track record in delivering performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a supply chain strategy that supports growth.
• Lead sourcing, supplier negotiations, and long-term partnerships.
• Oversee demand planning, production scheduling, and stock management.
• Manage warehousing and outbound logistics.
• Provide strategic direction to production teams.
• Champion ERP and supply chain systems.

Skills

Leadership experience in supply chain and manufacturing

Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Food safety knowledge

Analytical and data-driven approach

Effective communication

Education

Degree in business or related discipline

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.