Supplier/Front End Quality Engineer

Molton Brown; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading personal care brand is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to optimize operations from procurement to logistics. This role will involve overseeing vendor relationships and ensuring financial discipline. You will lead cross-functional teams and manage input to create demand forecasts while driving efficiency across supply chain processes. Candidates should have a solid background in supply chain management and strong analytical skills to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing supply chains within IT distribution or vendor environments.
• Strong commercial acumen related to vendor frameworks and distribution models.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Supply Chain function, including purchasing and stock planning.
• Ensure cost efficiency and optimal working capital utilisation.
• Develop policies for supply continuity and risk management.

Skills

Supply chain management

Procurement

Commercial operations

Analytical capability

ERP systems knowledge

Job description

Overview

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for leading and optimising end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, demand planning, logistics coordination, and stock performance. This role ensures buying execution, supply efficiency, and working capital are aligned with commercial objectives, vendor programmes, and sales demand. It is pivotal in connecting Vendor Management, Sales, Finance, and Operations to enable profitable growth, customer satisfaction, and commercial agility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Supply Chain function, including purchasing, stock planning, and operational buying.
• Translate commercial forecasts and vendor plans into accurate procurement and replenishment activity.
• Ensure cost efficiency, strong supplier performance, and optimal working capital utilisation.
• Oversee credit control and purchasing terms to maintain financial discipline and mitigate risk.
• Develop and implement policies for supply continuity, risk management, and supplier compliance.
• Collaborate with Vendor Management, Product Specialists, and Sales to create accurate demand forecasts by vendor, category, and customer segment.
• Monitor market and sales trends to align procurement cycles and prevent stock ageing or shortages.
• Introduce structured forecasting cadence and reporting aligned with commercial governance frameworks.
• Act as the operational counterpart to Vendor Management, ensuring all supply-side activity supports commercial plans.
• Manage distributor relationships operationally, focusing on pricing control, delivery performance, and rebate accuracy.
• Participate in quarterly vendor business reviews (QBRs) with data-driven insights on supply efficiency and performance.
• Ensure seamless coordination with Finance on credit exposure, rebates, and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement across purchasing, stock management, and inbound logistics.
• Ensure ERP, forecasting, and procurement systems are effectively used to drive automation and accuracy.
• Implement process optimisation initiatives to improve cost-to-serve, order accuracy, and fulfilment lead times.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, financial controls, and audit requirements.
• Produce regular performance reporting: stock health, aged inventory, rebate tracking, supplier SLAs, and efficiency metrics.
• Support risk and compliance reviews in collaboration with Finance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Supply Chain team.
• Foster a culture of operational discipline, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Embed governance and data-led decision-making across all supply and procurement activities.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in supply chain management, procurement, and commercial operations within IT distribution, vendor, or reseller environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with a solid understanding of vendor frameworks, distribution models, and channel dynamics.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and collaborate across Sales, Finance, and Vendor Management.
• Strong analytical capability – able to forecast, model, and optimise stock and working capital.
• Demonstrated success in improving supply chain efficiency and reducing operational cost.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, forecasting tools, and supply chain best practices.

Attributes

• Commercially astute and financially disciplined.
• Operationally rigorous with a focus on execution and accuracy.
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented.
• Strong communicator, able to influence across departments and external partners.
• Resilient under pressure and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to continuous improvement and high team performance.

Performance Indicators

• Stock accuracy and availability rates.
• Procurement cost savings and supplier performance.
• Working capital utilisation and aged stock reduction.
• Forecast accuracy and delivery reliability.
• Compliance with vendor and financial governance.
• Team development and engagement.

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