Head of Supply Chain & Operations

Head of Supply Chain & Operations Salary: Competitive Contract: Permanent Location: Stafford

We are working exclusively with a fast-growing SME to appoint a Head of Supply Chain & Operations to join its Senior Leadership Team.

This is a newly created opportunity for an experienced supply chain or operations professional who is looking for the opportunity to take ownership of an international end-to-end supply operation and play a key role in the next stage of the company’s growth.

The successful candidate will lead supply chain, logistics, warehousing and distribution activity across a global manufacturing network, ensuring products move efficiently from factory through to customer, in a timely manner, accurately and cost-effectively.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing production schedules from order placement through to shipment, ensuring agreed OTIF targets are achieved.
• Monitoring production progress across international manufacturing partners and proactively identifying and resolving delays or capacity issues.
• Leading QA and inspection processes across multiple international locations, working with third-party inspection partners and in-country teams.
• Managing warehouse and logistics operations, ensuring goods are received, stored and dispatched accurately and efficiently.
• Overseeing international freight and ensuring shipments are managed in line with agreed cost and service requirements.
• Managing the allocation of inbound stock to customer orders, balancing customer priorities with operational efficiency.
• Leading inventory visibility and decision-making across multiple product categories, balancing stock availability, working capital and warehouse capacity.
• Monitoring service-level performance and implementing corrective action where required.
• Providing regular reporting to the Senior Leadership Team on inventory, aged stock, service levels, operational risks and performance.
• Analysing operational issues and debit/credit notes to identify root causes and drive continuous improvement.
• Working closely with the planning function to ensure strong alignment between supply planning and execution.
• Developing a culture of accountability, operational discipline, data accuracy and continuous improvement.

About You:

• Proven experience managing supply chain or operations within an international manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of international logistics, freight and production timelines, particularly across Asia and Europe.
• Experience overseeing QA and inspection processes across multiple geographies.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex schedules, data and competing priorities.
• Experience leading teams and working effectively at senior leadership level.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A strong focus on accuracy, process control and continuous improvement.
• A hands-on approach and the ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, growing SME environment.

The role will involve international travel to manufacturing centres, sometimes at short notice. During peak production periods, travel may involve periods of approximately 7–10 days.

If you’re an experienced Supply Chain or Operations professional looking for your next challenge and want the opportunity to make a real impact within a growing international business, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today! Alternatively, for a confidential conversation about the role, please email Abdul.Walid@robertwalters.com.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates