Opportunity Brief: Head of Supply Chain
Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive search firm to the UK, North American and European Engineering, Technology, Sustainability & Heavy Manufacturing industries.
We have been retained and appointed by our client on the search and selection for a Head of Supply Chain who will act as the catalyst for a more efficient and profitable operation.
Client Opportunity Statements:
“Integral to the continuous improvement, growth and efficiency of our business is the appointment of an analytical and pragmatic Head of Supply Chain. Someone who will be the catalyst in ensuring we have robust, lean and efficient processes, setting the foundations for our continued growth.”
“Our vision is to professionalise our procurement, supply chain and logistics functions, with the overall aim to make them work symbiotically. We recognise there is great opportunity for process improvement, relevant KPI setting and data optimisation, to power our strategic decisions.”
“We are a small, hands-on organisation. We all ‘roll our sleeves up’ and work closely to ensure the success of the business. Our new Head of Supply Chain will be no exception and it’s important that the incoming individual genuinely buys into this.”
Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:
- This business is an SME and as such candidates will need to be comfortable “mucking in”. Ensuring they are not only defining the vision but taking the practical steps to achieve that vision.
- The business has achieved consistent and rapid growth over recent years, the business’s processes and procedures are catching up, therefore the supply chain is quite immature in its professionalisation journey.
- As the company continues on their growth journey, it will be imperative that this individual takes the team on the journey from “good” to “great.”
Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:
- To have achieved an inventory “Just in time” of 90 days, reducing further to 60 days the year after and down further to 40 days the year after that.
- To have delivered tangible improvements to the Purchase Price Variance (PPV), with the overall aim of increasing margin.
- Utilising data, we expect improvement to on-time delivery, exception management, inventory accuracy and pick accuracy.
Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)
- Candidates to demonstrate consistent length of service with their current employer, ideally achieving progression during this time.
- Capability, experience and knowledge across both Supply Chain and Procurement.
- Experience working in heavy metals/heavy engineering industries.
- Candidate to have demonstrable experience in an SME environment.
- Desirable experience working in the security systems sector.
Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)
- Candidates to be naturally “hands-on” and not afraid to “roll their sleeves up” to get the job done.
- Collaborative approach to work.
- Empowering and inspiring, ability to bring people along on a journey.
- Resilient and persistent, will work strategically to influence change.
Working Arrangements & Location:
Full time on-site, based at their head office in the Crewe area. Weekly travel to the manufacturing facility (10 mins from the office).
Our Client’s Interview Process:
- 1st Stage interview: to be completed on-site (if diaries allow), with the Procurement Manager and Operations Director.
- 2nd Final Stage interview: to be completed on-site with Operations Director and one of the company shareholders.
Good to know:
The Head of Supply Chain reports into Operations Director. The role holds full responsibility/accountability for both Supply Chain and Procurement, with line management responsibility of an Inventory controller and Expeditor.
The company are a family-owned business who are very passionate about “doing right” by their customers and have a truly welcoming culture.
Budget:
Low £60k / Mid £65k / Top end £70k
Supporting benefits:
- 25 days annual leave and 8 Days statutory bank holidays.
- Pension contributions, 3% ER & 6% EE contributions.
- Car Allowance – TBC.
- Future potential of a profit share scheme, to be defined. (Non-contractual at this stage).
About Ford & Stanley Executive Search:
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness.
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers.