Supply Chain Planning Director

Role Overview

The Supply Chain Director will lead the end-to-end supply chain function across planning, procurement, materials management, logistics, warehousing and customer delivery.

Operating as a key member of the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will develop and deliver a supply chain strategy that supports business growth, manufacturing performance and excellent customer service. They will ensure the business has the right materials, capacity and supply-base capability to meet production requirements while optimising inventory, cost, quality and working capital.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute the end-to-end supply chain strategy in alignment with the company's commercial and operational objectives. Lead demand planning, supply planning, production planning, procurement, inventory, warehousing and logistics. Translate customer demand and sales forecasts into robust material, capacity and production plans. Own and develop the S&OP/IBP process, ensuring effective alignment between Sales, Operations, Finance, Procurement and Supply Chain. Improve forecast accuracy, schedule adherence, material availability and on-time customer delivery. Develop strategic supplier relationships and lead sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier-development activity. Strengthen supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, lead time, innovation and risk. Identify and mitigate supply-chain risks, including material shortages, capacity constraints, supplier failure and geopolitical disruption. Optimise inventory levels, stock turns and working capital while protecting production continuity and customer service. Lead logistics, warehousing and distribution activity, improving service, efficiency and cost performance. Establish clear supply-chain KPIs, reporting and governance, using data to identify issues and drive corrective action. Improve ERP, MRP and planning processes, ensuring accurate master data and disciplined system utilisation. Lead supply-chain transformation and continuous-improvement programmes using Lean and structured problem-solving techniques. Build, develop and retain a high-performing supply-chain team with clear accountability and succession plans. Work closely with Engineering, Quality and Operations to support new product introduction, product changes and manufacturing transfers. Contribute to business strategy, budgeting, investment decisions and wider operational performance as a member of the leadership team. Experience and Qualifications:

Significant senior leadership experience within supply chain, ideally gained in a complex manufacturing or engineering environment. Proven responsibility for multiple supply-chain disciplines, including planning, procurement, inventory and logistics. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, MRP, capacity planning and S&OP/IBP. Demonstrable success improving customer delivery, supplier performance, inventory, working capital and operating cost. Experience leading organisational change, systems improvement and supply-chain transformation. Strong commercial, analytical and financial capability, with experience managing budgets and negotiating high-value agreements. Confident working with ERP and planning systems; SAP or equivalent experience would be advantageous. Degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, engineering, business or a related discipline. CIPS, ASCM/APICS or another relevant professional qualification would be desirable. Leadership Profile:

The successful candidate will be a commercially focused and data-led leader who can combine strategic thinking with operational delivery. They will communicate effectively at board, customer and supplier level, challenge constructively and build strong cross-functional relationships.

They will demonstrate sound judgement, resilience and a continuous-improvement mindset, with the ability to bring structure, accountability and pace to a complex manufacturing supply chain.

Key Measures of Success:

On-time delivery and customer service Forecast accuracy and production-plan adherence Material availability and supplier delivery performance Inventory value, stock turns and working capital Procurement savings and cost avoidance Logistics and warehousing costs Supply-chain risk reduction Team capability and employee engagement