Head of Supply Chain

Purpose of this position 

The Head of Supply Chain is responsible for leading and optimising the end-to-end supply chain function, including procurement, planning, inventory management and logistics. The role will focus on ensuring material availability, improving delivery performance and driving operational efficiency to support production and customer fulfilment. It requires a balance of hands-on day-to-day oversight with forward-looking planning and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities  

Strategic and Operational Leadership 

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies that support business goals and ensure supply continuity 
• Drive performance through planning, inventory control and supplier performance management 
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• Contribute to the company’s strategic objectives through robust material planning and demand fulfilment 

Procurement & Supplier Management 

• Manage sourcing activities and supplier relationships to ensure value for money, quality and on-time delivery 
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, with a focus on risk management, cost control and reliability 

Costings Management 

• Understand and apply core manufacturing costing principles to ensure accurate material valuation and cost control 
• Support commercial and operational decision-making through timely, reliable costings and analysis 

Planning & Inventory 

• Oversee sales and operations planning (S&OP) to align supply and demand 
• Manage inventory levels and optimise stock holding across the business to balance working capital and service levels 

Logistics & Fulfilment 

• Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, including transport planning, goods receiving and dispatch 
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to the production facility and finished goods to customers 

Performance Management & Improvement 

• Establish KPIs to measure supply chain performance and identify opportunities for improvement 
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, reduce cost and simplify operations 

Team Development & Engagement 

• Manage and support the development of supply chain personnel, fostering a culture of accountability and growth 
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality to ensure alignment across the value stream 

Qualifications

You will have a combination of technical qualifications and relevant experience. Preferably, you will have: 

• Bachelor’s Degree: In Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field from an accredited institution 
• Professional Certifications: MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management), or other equivalent qualifications are highly desirable 
• Minimum Experience: At least 6-8 years of professional experience in procurement, supply chain management or a related field 
• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role managing a procurement and/or supply chain team 
• Industry Experience: Preferably from a manufacturing or similar industry, with expertise in passive fire safety being an added advantage 

Job Function Technical Knowledge and Skills  

• Sound understanding of procurement best practices and supplier negotiation 
• Strong grasp of MRP/ERP systems and inventory control principles 
• Experience with logistics operations, warehousing and distribution planning 
• Ability to interpret and act on supply chain KPIs (e.g. OTIF, inventory turns) 
• Proficient in Excel and reporting tools; able to make informed, data-led decisions 

Personal Attributes  

• Hands-on, pragmatic and calm under pressure 
• Capable of working cross-functionally and aligning multiple stakeholders 
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder 
• Proactive problem solver with strong commercial awareness 
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational discipline