Head of Supply Chain

Job Description: Head of Supply Chain

Sector: Cosmetics

Salary: £110,000 - £120,000

Location: Greater Manchester

About the Role

Forsyth Barnes have partnered with a dynamic and innovative cosmetics company experiencing exceptional growth. This scale-up has achieved 100% year-on-year growth for the last four years and is now seeking a Head of Supply Chain to lead the transformation of this critical function.

This role offers a unique opportunity to oversee and optimize the supply chain operations, covering merchandise, logistics, demand planning, and buying. You will lead a team of 8, address current challenges, and design scalable strategies to support the company’s ambitious goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and mentor a team of 8 supply chain professionals, including a Chinese agent, demand planner, admin staff, merchandisers, and logistics manager.
2. Develop and implement streamlined processes for high SKU turnover (up to 100,000 SKUs) with short operational windows.
3. Collaborate with Far East suppliers to improve visibility, enhance performance, and negotiate favorable terms.
4. Optimize systems and tools, including Excel and WMS (currently Dispatch), and evaluate future system upgrades to improve scalability.
5. Oversee the movement and tracking of stock from factories to warehouses, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
6. Lead a department-wide transformation to address current inefficiencies, instilling robust strategies for long-term growth and scalability.

Ideal Candidate Profile

1. Background in a fast-paced ecommerce environment, with experience in cosmetics or similar industries (e.g., fast fashion / retail / fmcg) preferred. Equally important is having experience of working with high SKU levels.
2. Proven experience managing and scaling supply chain teams, with a hands-on approach and a “lead by example” attitude.
3. Track record of managing supply chains with significant SKU turnover and tight operational timelines.
4. Direct experience working with Far East suppliers and navigating complex global supply chains.
5. A self-starter with a desire to take on a challenging, transformative role in a high-growth environment.
6. Strong analytical and operational skills to address supply chain inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.

What’s in It for You?

1. This is a career-defining opportunity to step into a leadership role at a rapidly growing company. The business is committed to creating an environment where collaboration, creativity, and personal growth are at the forefront.
2. Full autonomy to drive transformation and scale supply chain operations.
3. Play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s continued growth trajectory.
4. Lead a talented and passionate team, building processes from the ground up.
5. No ceiling on career progression—be part of a business where ambition is rewarded.