Director Supply Chain Management

Hiring now! Senior Director of Supply Chain & Operations - UK & Europe

Job Title: Senior Director of Supply Chain & Operations - UK & Europe

Company: Global Luxury Fashion Brands Company

Direct reports: 5 Reports

Location: London (3 days per week)

Type: Full Time, Permanent

Start Date: ASAP subject to notice period

Salary: Up to £130,000 based on experience, with bonuses and comprehensive benefits package.

Role Overview

As the Senior Director of Supply Chain & Operations, you will report directly to the COO and play a critical role in overseeing European operations. This position requires a strategic and analytical mindset to manage daily operations while prioritizing the company's growth objectives across the region.

In this leadership role, you will be a trusted advisor to the leadership team, providing accurate management reporting to inform key business decisions. Your strategic vision will be vital for optimizing supply chain operations, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout Europe. This includes managing relationships with third-party logistics partners and leading the successful integration of new initiatives and acquisitions.

You will also collaborate with IT teams to ensure the necessary technical infrastructure and processes support the needs of the European business. This hands-on position is essential for cultivating a culture focused on profitability and directly impacting financial targets while fostering growth in the European market.

Ultimately, you will lead teams toward operational excellence, ensuring efficient logistics management and seamless order flow. Your leadership will be essential for achieving the organization’s objectives and driving success in the European business unit.

Roles & Responsibilities;

• Inspire and lead the operations team to ensure compliance and uphold governance standards while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan that leverages existing infrastructure, maximizes divisional opportunities, increases revenue and profit, and minimizes expenses.
• Manage relationships with all European distribution centres to facilitate efficient inbound and outbound shipments.
• Collaborate with Production and Logistics teams to manage inbound freight, meet delivery commitments, optimize inventory levels, and reduce costs.
• Stay informed on the latest customs and excise laws, regulations, and industry standards across the UK and Europe, including Brexit-related implications for trade and compliance.
• Identify potential compliance risks within the supply chain and implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and submit all documentation necessary for customs clearance, including invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations, ensuring accuracy to avoid delays.
• Build and maintain relationships with customs authorities and regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth operations and resolve compliance-related inquiries.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on customs and excise compliance best practices, ensuring all stakeholders understand their roles.
• Monitor compliance processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency in customs operations.
• Leverage technology and software solutions to streamline compliance processes and improve reporting capabilities.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with freight, logistics, and third-party logistics providers across omnichannel operations.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for the operations function in alignment with strategic goals.
• Oversee the daily movement of stock from origin to destination with third-party freight forwarders.
• Accountable for financial reporting related to supply chain activities, ensuring accurate and timely information.
• Collaborate with planning and production to provide inventory forecasts by warehouse and work with finance to meet revenue and budget objectives.
• Review operational chargebacks with the operations and finance team to help negotiate with retailers and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee warehousing and distribution from an operations perspective, including monthly close, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Provide key performance indicator (KPI) reporting to the leadership team and divisional presidents to facilitate decision-making.
• Conduct detailed analysis of KPIs to develop insights, identify trends, and highlight actionable opportunities.
• Create and execute detailed forecasts and plans for the European business unit.
• Ensure all spending aligns with strategic and operational priorities.
• Track financial progress of operational activities, collaborating with leadership and finance teams to implement corrective actions as needed.
• Partner with IT teams to roll out new systems and processes that enhance supply chain efficiency.
• Collaborate with sales and operations teams across all divisions to build delivery plans and participate in demand review calls, driving improvements in operational awareness and accountability.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of experience in end-to-end supply chain management and business partnering, with significant experience in third-party logistics partnerships, preferably in a matrixed organisation.
• Experience in a similar FMCG, Retail, Fashion, Luxury Brands business
• Experience with data warehouses and ERP systems such as SAP, TSG, or Tableau is essential.
• Previous experience in FMCG or retail is crucial, demonstrating a track record of effectively supporting and influencing stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to present findings clearly and effectively.
• Flexible, hands-on team player who can partner across all levels to execute change in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience as a senior leader or head of operations with a successful record of managing a sizable wholesale import manufacturing business.
• Deep understanding of a matrix, shared service organization.
• Initiative-taking, enthusiastic, and empathetic individual with a positive attitude and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Resilient and adaptable in response to dynamic market conditions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working across multiple stakeholders to gather insights and manage requests.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

If you are a dynamic Senior Director of Supply Chain & Operations - UK & Europe with experience in businesses operating across the UK & Europe, we want to hear from you!

Please submit your CV or contact me directly via tom.richards@harbourneassociates.com