Full job descriptionHead 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