Supply Chain Manager (Planning & Inventory)

Supply Chain Manager

Ipswich

Salary £60,000 - £65,000Are you an experienced Supply Chain Leader ready to take full ownership of an end to end function within a growing, fast moving manufacturing business? If you thrive on building strategy, improving processes, and leading high performing teams — this role offers you the platform to make a real commercial impact.

I’m supporting a well established UK organisation that is investing heavily in its operations and now seeking a dynamic Supply Chain Manager to shape, lead, and evolve the entire supply chain infrastructure. This is a senior appointment with visibility across the business and genuine scope to influence long term direction.

Why this role stands out

You’ll be the central link between Purchasing, Sales, Logistics, Operations, and external global suppliers — designing and delivering a strategy that keeps the business agile, resilient, and competitive. You’ll be empowered to:

Build and refine a forward thinking Supply Chain strategy

Strengthen supplier relationships and negotiate robust SLAs

Lead demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, and S&OP

Improve systems, processes, and KPIs across the full supply chain

Drive continuous improvement, reliability of supply, and operational efficiency

Shape, mentor, and grow a dedicated supply chain teamIf you enjoy combining the strategic with the hands on, this will give you plenty of both.

What you’ll be doing

Stakeholder & Supplier Management

Collaborate closely with global suppliers and internal departments.

Troubleshoot supply challenges with proactive, solution?led thinking.

Build strong relationships that support both service levels and operational goals.Production, Stock & Forecasting

Lead inventory management and demand planning across multiple warehouses.

Oversee third party contract manufacturing activities.

Drive an effective S&OP process to balance demand and supply.

Ensure accurate forecasting and cost effective stock availability.Logistics & Compliance

Act as the central interface between Sales, Purchasing, Logistics and Warehousing.

Ensure import/export activity is compliant, efficient, and well controlled.Returns & Continuous Improvement

Create systems to track returns, identify root causes, and reduce cost exposure.

Analyse data to uncover process bottlenecks and implement improvements.

Set, track, and report on meaningful KPIs across the function.People Leadership

Lead and develop the Supply Chain team with an empathetic, motivating style.

Ensure training, succession planning, and performance management are embedded.

Build a culture of accountability, positivity, and cross functional collaboration.Strategy & Business Planning

Develop a long term supply chain strategy aligned with commercial goals.

Collaborate across the business to create a cohesive, integrated supply approach.

Manage related company projects from concept to completion.What we’re looking for

Proven senior level experience within supply chain leadership

Strong negotiation, analytical, and organisational abilities

Excellent communication and the confidence to influence at all levels

Experience managing multi?site inventory, supplier relationships and S&OP

Solid knowledge of ERP systems and import/export regulations

A strategic mindset combined with a hands?on operational approach

Lean / Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience (highly advantageous)

Degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Operations or related disciplineThe ideal candidate

You’ll be someone who builds trust quickly, leads with emotional intelligence, and has the drive to challenge the status quo. You’ll relish being the person who brings clarity, resilience and structure to a complex supply environment — and your commercial awareness means your decisions always connect to the bigger business picture