Supply Chain Manager

The Advocate Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Advocate Group is partnering with a globally recognised drinks business to recruit a Supply Chain Manager - Inbound Logistics for its EMEA Operations team. This role leads inbound movements of raw materials across multiple markets, ensuring timely deliveries and continuous supply to manufacturing sites.

You'll build strong partnerships with suppliers and carriers, manage costs, drive compliance and use data to improve visibility and efficiency across the network.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supply chain management with emphasis on inbound logistics and raw materials flows.
• Experience in FMCG, drinks or manufacturing environments.
• Strong systems/data skills, including SAP or equivalent TMS.
• Previous leadership experience coaching and developing a small team.

Responsibilities

• Own inbound logistics: lead movement of raw materials across the EMEA network, ensuring timely deliveries and continuity of supply.
• Drive transport performance across inbound road, ocean and air freight as needed, managing capacity and priorities.
• Manage partnerships with suppliers, carriers, freight forwarders and warehouses; hold partners to performance.
• Control costs through spend monitoring, tenders and supplier negotiations to improve efficiency.
• Champion compliance with customs requirements and internal procedures to manage risk.
• Use data to track performance, maintain master data and improve visibility and processes.
• Collaborate with Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance and Compliance to align priorities.
• Lead and develop two Logistics Coordinators with a culture of accountability.

Skills

Inbound logistics

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Cost management

Problem solving

Tools

SAP

Transport Management Systems

Job description

Ready to take ownership of inbound logistics across a fast-paced, international supply chain?

The Advocate Group is partnering with a globally recognised, high-growth drinks business to find a Supply Chain Manager - Inbound Logistics to join its EMEA Operations team.

This is an opportunity to take the lead on the movement of raw materials across a complex, multi-market supply chain, ensuring manufacturing operations have the materials they need, when they need them. From transport performance and supplier relationships to cost management and continuous improvement, you'll play a key role in keeping the network moving.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving operational challenges and know how to bring people together to deliver results, this could be the next step for you.

What you'll be doing

• Own inbound logistics: Lead the movement of raw materials across the EMEA network, ensuring timely deliveries, efficient stock transfers and continuity of supply to manufacturing and storage locations.
• Drive transport performance: Oversee inbound road, ocean and air freight where required, managing capacity, lead times, shipment priorities and operational risks.
• Manage key partnerships: Build strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturing partners, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and warehouse providers, holding partners accountable for service and performance.
• Control costs: Monitor inbound logistics spend, support tenders and commercial reviews, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising service.
• Champion compliance: Ensure logistics activities meet customs requirements, company policies and operational procedures, working closely with internal compliance teams to manage risk.
• Use data to drive decisions: Maintain accurate logistics systems and master data, track performance and identify opportunities to improve visibility, processes and network efficiency.
• Collaborate across the business: Work closely with Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance, Inventory and Customs & Compliance to align priorities and resolve challenges.
• Lead and develop your team: Manage, coach and support two Logistics Coordinators, setting clear expectations and building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in supply chain management, particularly inbound logistics and raw material flows.
• Experience within an FMCG, drinks or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of transport operations, logistics networks and third-party logistics providers.
• Experience managing suppliers, carriers and external logistics partners, with the confidence to challenge performance and drive improvements.
• Commercial awareness, including logistics cost management and involvement in tenders or supplier negotiations.
• Strong systems and data skills, ideally including SAP and Transport Management Systems.
• A solid understanding of customs, compliance, operational risk and process governance.
• Previous team leadership experience, with the ability to coach, develop and motivate others.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

This is a role for someone who enjoys taking ownership, challenging the status quo and making things happen.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.