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