Job type
PermanentLocation
NorthfleetWorking Pattern
Flexible Working,Full-timeSpecialism
LogisticsIndustry
Supply Chain & LogisticsPay
£50,000 - £60,000
Supply chain manager
Supply Chain Manager
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm
Location: Northfleet
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm
Location: Northfleet
The Company
A leading specialist distributor within the construction and M&E sectors is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to join their growing operation. With strong stock availability, technical expertise and a fast-moving environment, this business supports contractors and large-scale projects across the UK.
As the company continues to scale, they require a proactive, commercially minded supply chain professional to lead end‑to‑end planning, purchasing, international supply, and inventory management.
The Role
As Supply Chain Manager, you will own the full supply chain planning cycle—from demand forecasting and S&OP to supplier management, imports, and stock optimisation across multiple UK sites.
You will lead and develop a team of three (Buyer, Supply Chain Assistant, Purchasing Administrator) and work cross‑functionally with Sales, Finance, Operations and Customer Service to ensure the business maintains excellent availability, controlled inventory and strong supplier performance.
Key Responsibilities
S&OP & Planning Leadership
- Lead the monthly S&OP cycle.
- Build a robust, consensus-based demand plan using data from key stakeholders.
- Present forecasts, scenarios and recommendations to senior leadership.
Demand Forecasting
- Develop short, medium and long-term forecasts at SKU/customer level.
- Maintain and improve planning models and forecast accuracy.
Supply Planning & Inventory Control
- Translate demand plans into actionable supply and purchasing plans.
- Determine order quantities, safety stocks, reorder points.
- Manage inventory across several UK locations, including 3PL.
- Reduce excess, slow-moving and obsolete stock.
Global Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Manage day-to-day relationships with international suppliers.
- Negotiate lead times, MOQs and capacity.
- Improve supplier OTIF, quality and responsiveness.
Import & Logistics Management
- Oversee international inbound supply.
- Work with freight partners to ensure cost-effective and timely shipments.
- Manage customs documentation, Incoterms and compliance.
- Monitor shipment progress and communicate delays.
Systems, Processes & Data
- Maintain accurate master data in the ERP and planning systems.
- Improve tools, reports and dashboards.
- Drive continuous improvement and support system upgrades.
Team Leadership
- Manage and develop a team of three.
- Set priorities, allocate workload and drive performance.
- Build a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Skills & Experience
Required:
- Supply chain experience within a UK-based distributor, ideally construction/M&E or similar.
- Strong demand & supply planning background.
- Experience managing imports and working with international suppliers.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence with ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Highly organised and effective in a fast-paced, growing environment.
Desirable:
- Professional qualification (CIPS, APICS/CSCP).
- Experience building or improving S&OP processes.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially aware and customer focused.
- Hands‑on, proactive and solutions-driven.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
- Able to balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution.
