Lead Supply Chain Manager

About the role

Booker Group is looking for a passionate and results-driven Lead Supply Chain Manager to join our established team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional to make a real impact through their expertise, energy, and dedication.

Based at our Eccles office, you will report to the Supply Chain Manager Director and collaborate with a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will lead a team to efficiently plan and manage the flow of stock through the supply chain, ensuring optimal availability for our customers at the lowest cost. You will also play a key role in driving the transformation of our supply chain operations.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and support Supply Planners in achieving their key performance indicators.
• Forecast and manage stock levels to maintain on-shelf availability while meeting stock targets.
• Optimise stock movement into depots, ensuring service level targets are met and intake processes are followed.
• Plan and execute seasonal and promotional activities to deliver high service levels.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and trends, implementing proactive solutions to maintain supply.
• Develop and implement joint supply chain plans with key suppliers, fostering strong partnerships, managing Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), and improving efficiency.
• Monitor and manage waste performance, ensuring effective clearance of discontinued and slow-moving stock.
• Enhance team capability by developing seasonal plans, improving forecasting for promotions and events, and optimizing stock flow to maximize sales while minimizing waste and stockholding.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, providing regular one-to-one support, feedback, and annual performance reviews.
• Ensure all colleagues have a personal development plan and establish a robust succession plan for the team.
• Collaborate with category and product teams to drive supply chain efficiencies, increase sales, and secure supply.
• Work cross-functionally with wider Supply Chain teams to ensure the efficient flow of stock.
• Support transformation initiatives, partnering with the Supply Chain Transformation team to enhance systems, processes, and operations.
• Proactively resolve and escalate supply chain issues to the appropriate stakeholders as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, branches, and trading teams, working collaboratively to address challenges and align priorities.
• Uphold the Business Code of Conduct, acting with integrity and diligence at all times.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive leadership approach.

You will need

• Exceptional communication & stakeholder management - Skilled in building strong relationships and effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Influencing & negotiation - Adept at persuading, negotiating, and driving positive outcomes.
• Problem-solving & commercial decision-making - Analytical mindset with the ability to assess challenges and make commercially sound decisions.
• Resilience & adaptability - Thrives in fast-paced environments, maintaining focus and composure under pressure.
• Attention to detail & data analysis - Experienced in report writing, data interpretation, and maintaining accurate records.
• Industry & market knowledge - Strong understanding of relevant markets, trends, and industry developments.
• Flexible work approach - Ability to adapt to evolving business needs and challenges.
• Legal, regulatory & ethical compliance - Ensures full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Team development & safety - Committed to fostering team growth and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Performance management - Focused on achieving company sales, service level, and customer satisfaction targets.
• Budget & stock management - Skilled in controlling stock levels and managing budgets effectively.
• FMG industry experience - Solid background in the Fast-Moving Goods (FMG) sector.
• Autonomy & matrix management - Proven ability to work independently and navigate complex organisational structures.
• People management - Experienced in leading, coaching, and developing teams.
• Supply chain & supplier management - Skilled in overseeing supply chains, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring operational efficiency.

What's in it for you

At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
• Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates
• An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
• After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
• Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay
• Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
• A great holiday package