Job Description: Head of Supply Chain
Sector: Cosmetics
Salary: £80,000 - £110,000
Location: Greater Manchester
Contact: callum.bell@forsythbarnes.com
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
* Lead and mentor a team of 8 supply chain professionals, including a Chinese agent, demand planner, admin staff, merchandisers, and logistics manager.
* Develop and implement streamlined processes for high SKU turnover (up to 100,000 SKUs) with short operational windows.
* Collaborate with Far East suppliers to improve visibility, enhance performance, and negotiate favorable terms.
* Optimize systems and tools, including Excel and WMS (currently Dispatch), and evaluate future system upgrades to improve scalability.
* Logistics and Warehousing: Oversee the movement and tracking of stock from factories to warehouses, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
* Lead a department-wide transformation to address current inefficiencies, instilling robust strategies for long-term growth and scalability.
Ideal Candidate Profile
* 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
* Proven experience managing and scaling supply chain teams, with a hands-on approach and a “lead by example” attitude.
* Track record of managing supply chains with significant SKU turnover and tight operational timelines.
* Direct experience working with Far East suppliers and navigating complex global supply chains.
* A self-starter with a desire to take on a challenging, transformative role in a high-growth environment.
* Strong analytical and operational skills to address supply chain inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.
What’s in It for You?
* 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.
* Full autonomy to drive transformation and scale supply chain operations.
* Play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s continued growth trajectory.
* Lead a talented and passionate team, building processes from the ground up.
* No ceiling on career progression—be part of a business where ambition is rewarded.