Head of Supply Chain Transformation & Continuous Improvement

Dunelm; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

Overview

Home. There’s no place like it. And there’s no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that’s what we do. We’re the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And the caring and encouraging culture we've created makes this a place you'll feel right at home too.

We are the UK’s Number One homewares retailer offering c85,000 products building a consumer-focused total retail business that delights customers through our multichannel operation.

We are determined in our plans to increase further expansion of the business to more customers, shopping more frequently, with more choice, enhanced digital and physical services, and new capabilities to innovate and operate at pace in a fast-changing landscape. In developing the business for the long-term benefit of our customers, we are investing in our supply chain, stores, and technology to improve the customer proposition as we progress.

Department Overview:

Our Continuous Improvement (CI) team is responsible for enhancing efficiency, quality, and innovation within the business by identifying and implementing process improvements.

Their key accountabilities include streamlining workflows, applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, analysing performance data, driving change management, and creating a culture of problem-solving and innovation.

They work closely with departments such as Operations, IT, People, Finance, and Customer Service to optimise processes, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and support business growth. Through collaboration and data-driven decision-making, the CI team ensures the organisation remains agile, competitive, and continuously evolving.

What you'll be doing

The Head of Supply Chain Transformation & Continuous Improvement is responsible for driving operational excellence, efficiency, and scalability across the e-commerce, fulfilment, warehousing, and last-mile delivery ecosystem.

This role focuses on identifying and implementing best practices, optimising logistics operations, enhancing digital transformation, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

The leader in this role will ensure that the supply chain remains agile, cost-effective, customer-centric while supporting business growth, influencing senior stakeholders and evolving market demands.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement a continuous improvement strategy across fulfilment centres, warehousing, and last-mile delivery operations.
• Utilise Lean, Six Sigma, and automation strategies to optimise order fulfilment, inventory management, and logistics processes.
• Identify bottlenecks in e-commerce fulfilment and retail store replenishment and implement solutions to improve order accuracy, speed, and cost-efficiency.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order cycle time, fulfilment accuracy, on-time delivery, and cost per order.
• Establish standardised operating procedures (SOPs) for warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping processes.

Transformation, Digitalisation & Automation

• Lead supply chain digital transformation initiatives, including automation, robotics, AI-driven forecasting, and advanced warehouse management systems (WMS & TMS).
• Drive the implementation of real-time tracking, IoT-enabled warehouse technology, and AI-powered inventory optimisation.
• Optimise the use of data analytics and predictive modelling to enhance supply chain visibility, improve demand planning, and reduce waste.
• Assess and implement the Business identified Automation strategy into the fulfilment aspects of Dunelm, leading the Automation strategy in its optimised state, from conception, build, go live and achievement of the Return on investment (ROI).

E-commerce Fulfilment & Logistics Optimisation

• Enhance last-mile delivery strategies to improve customer experience, reduce costs, and optimise route planning.
• Strengthen partnerships with third-party logistics (3PLs), courier services, and delivery aggregators to scale operations efficiently.
• Implement omnichannel fulfilment strategies, including Buy Online Pickup In-Store (BOPIS), and Same-day Delivery models.
• Improve reverse logistics and returns management processes to streamline customer returns and reduce costs.

Strategic Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Develop a high-performing team who are bold and brave in what they do, through coaching, mentoring and training continuous improvement specialists and operational leaders, raising the bar on everything they do.
• Collaborate with operations, people, IT, customer service, finance, and merchandising teams to influence and align supply chain transformation with business goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute large-scale projects, such as warehouse automation and demand-driven inventory strategies.

Sustainability & Risk Management

• Implement sustainable warehousing and transportation practices, including green logistics and carbon footprint reduction initiatives.
• Strengthen supply chain resilience by developing contingency plans for disruptions, demand spikes, and labour shortages.
• Optimise supplier relationships and inbound logistics to enhance supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

What we'll look for in you

• Strong experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and ERP platforms.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale digital transformation and operational efficiency projects.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in working with 3PLs, last-mile delivery providers, and omnichannel fulfilment strategies.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• A high level of experience in supply chain, logistics, fulfilment, or warehouse operations, with a focus on e-commerce and retail.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, process optimization, and automation technologies.
• A proven track record of implementing an Automation strategy and significant investment from concept to go live, demonstrating the delivery of the ROI business case.