6 Supply Chain Operations jobs in Northampton

About Us:

MANNOL UK & IRELAND  is the official distributor of high-quality automotive oils, lubricants, and car care products across the UK and Ireland. We offer German-engineered solutions for personal, commercial, and industrial vehicles. Our range includes engine oils, gear oils, additives, and car care products designed for optimal performance and protection.

We are in a transformational phase, setting new benchmarks in operational excellence, streamlining our supply chain, and delivering a customer-centric service experience.

Why us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in our journey towards operational excellence. You will take ownership of multiple projects within our supply chain operations and have a significant impact on how we shape and deliver best-in-class performance. If this opportunity aligns with what you’re looking for, we would be delighted to receive your application and speak with you in person. You will collaborate directly with the leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Stock Management

• Maintain optimal stock levels across all SKUs and warehouse locations
• Monitor and analyze purchase orders against sales trends and forecasts
• Categorise, manage and analyse inventory by product life cycle: slow movers, top sellers, etc.
• Ensure accurate product placement and reduce obsolete or excess stock

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Manage purchasing activities with key suppliers
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and delivery schedules
• Evaluate supplier performance and maintain strong long-term relationships
• Continuously assess and refine product selection to align with market trends and customer needs

Shipping & Logistics

• Coordinate inbound international freight with shipping lines such as MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd
• Negotiate container rates and optimise shipping schedules and routes
• Ensure timely and accurate customs clearance, documentation, and delivery
• Liaise with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal warehouse teams

Reporting & Analysis

• Develop and maintain insightful reports on key inventory metrics, supplier performance, and shipping efficiency using our ERP system, Microsoft Excel, and business intelligence tools.
• Provide actionable insights based on customer buying patterns and stock turnover
• Provide data-driven insights and analytics to support strategic decision-making

Requirements

• Proven experience (8+ years) in a supply chain, purchasing, or logistics roles within the import/export or wholesale distribution sector
• Strong background in inventory control, demand forecasting, and stock optimisation
• Demonstrated ability and experience in managing international purchasing and negotiate with global shipping providers
• Proficient with ERP systems (e.g.: NetSuite/SAP/MS Dynamics, MintSoft, Unleashed, Odoo, Cin7) and Excel-based or BI tool-based data analysis
• Highly organised, analytical, and proactive with strong commercial awareness
• Hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Automotive or lubricants sector experience is a plus

What We Offer

• A key leadership role in a growing and dynamic business
• Opportunity to shape and modernise the supply chain strategy
• Competitive salary and benefits
• A collaborative and forward-thinking work environment

Additional Information

Working Hours:  40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm (incl. 30 minutes lunch break)

Start Date: As soon as possible

As part of our drive to make Mannol UK a great place to work. We are having dedicated learning and development programmes which are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Holiday Entitlement of 23 days, plus of bank holidays.
• Salary: £45,000 - £65,000 (depending on skill & experience).
• Life insurance: 3x of the salary
• Private medical insurance
• Work place pension
• Employee discount

If you are looking for your next career opportunity send us your application and become a part of Mannol UK!

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Language: English (required)

Work Location: In person

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Position: Head of Supply Chain
Job ID: 468/120
Location: Northampton
Rate/Salary: £70,000
Benefits: Excellent benefits package
Type: Permanent – Full Time

HSB Technical Ltd is a specialist recruiter operating within the Power & Propulsion, Shipbuilding, Maritime Shipping, Energy, and Subsea sectors. To view more vacancies, please visit: (url removed). 

We are currently recruiting for both permanent and contract positions across the UK and internationally.

Below is a detailed overview of the role: Head of Supply Chain

This is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing and optimising the entire supply chain function. The successful candidate will develop and implement efficient supply chain strategies, build strong supplier relationships, and ensure alignment with regulatory and environmental standards.

HSB Technical’s client is a respected and established organisation with a strong market presence.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Head of Supply Chain:

• You will: Review and enhance current supply chain practices in line with evolving environmental policies, regulations, and laws
li>Define and track key performance metrics for cost, quality, and overall supply chain effectiveness
• Drive cost reduction initiatives across materials and standard components
• Monitor demand forecasts and manage any impact on supply chain activities with effective contingency planning
• Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers, vendors, and freight forwarders across the UK, Europe, and globally
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement improvement plans where necessary
• Conduct vendor assessments through on-site visits and capability reviews
• Establish systems for evaluating and selecting suppliers, and maintain the approved supplier list
• Lead supplier meetings to review performance, provide feedback, and plan production needs
• Mitigate risks related to supply, cost, and compliance across the supply chain
• Define and manage inventory strategies to support production needs
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to production operations
• Own material cost objectives and collaborate with internal stakeholders to achieve targets
• Roll out and enforce the company’s procurement policy both internally and externally
< i>Lead strategic sourcing efforts across European and Far Eastern markets
• Take a hands-on approach to identify opportunities for efficiency and cost-saving within production

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Relevant degree and/or CIPS qualification
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems
• Full UK driving licence
• Proven experience in stakeholder management

This vacancy is being advertised by HSB Technical Ltd, who have been exclusively retained as the recruitment partner for this position.

Position: Head of Supply Chain
Job ID: 468/120
Location: Northampton
Rate/Salary: £70,000
Benefits: Excellent benefits package
Type: Permanent – Full Time

HSB Technical Ltd is a specialist recruiter operating within the Power & Propulsion, Shipbuilding, Maritime Shipping, Energy, and Subsea sectors. To view more vacancies, please visit: (url removed). 

We are currently recruiting for both permanent and contract positions across the UK and internationally.

Below is a detailed overview of the role: Head of Supply Chain

This is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing and optimising the entire supply chain function. The successful candidate will develop and implement efficient supply chain strategies, build strong supplier relationships, and ensure alignment with regulatory and environmental standards.

HSB Technical’s client is a respected and established organisation with a strong market presence.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Head of Supply Chain:

• You will: Review and enhance current supply chain practices in line with evolving environmental policies, regulations, and laws
li>Define and track key performance metrics for cost, quality, and overall supply chain effectiveness
• Drive cost reduction initiatives across materials and standard components
• Monitor demand forecasts and manage any impact on supply chain activities with effective contingency planning
• Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers, vendors, and freight forwarders across the UK, Europe, and globally
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement improvement plans where necessary
• Conduct vendor assessments through on-site visits and capability reviews
• Establish systems for evaluating and selecting suppliers, and maintain the approved supplier list
• Lead supplier meetings to review performance, provide feedback, and plan production needs
• Mitigate risks related to supply, cost, and compliance across the supply chain
• Define and manage inventory strategies to support production needs
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to production operations
• Own material cost objectives and collaborate with internal stakeholders to achieve targets
• Roll out and enforce the company’s procurement policy both internally and externally
< i>Lead strategic sourcing efforts across European and Far Eastern markets
• Take a hands-on approach to identify opportunities for efficiency and cost-saving within production

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Relevant degree and/or CIPS qualification
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems
• Full UK driving licence
• Proven experience in stakeholder management

This vacancy is being advertised by HSB Technical Ltd, who have been exclusively retained as the recruitment partner for this position.

Position: Head of Supply Chain
Job ID: 468/120
Location: Northampton
Rate/Salary: £70,000
Benefits: Excellent benefits package
Type: Permanent – Full Time

HSB Technical Ltd is a specialist recruiter operating within the Power & Propulsion, Shipbuilding, Maritime Shipping, Energy, and Subsea sectors. To view more vacancies, please visit:

We are currently recruiting for both permanent and contract positions across the UK and internationally.

Below is a detailed overview of the role: Head of Supply Chain

This is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing and optimising the entire supply chain function. The successful candidate will develop and implement efficient supply chain strategies, build strong supplier relationships, and ensure alignment with regulatory and environmental standards.

HSB Technical’s client is a respected and established organisation with a strong market presence.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Head of Supply Chain:

• You will: Review and enhance current supply chain practices in line with evolving environmental policies, regulations, and laws
li>Define and track key performance metrics for cost, quality, and overall supply chain effectiveness
• Drive cost reduction initiatives across materials and standard components
• Monitor demand forecasts and manage any impact on supply chain activities with effective contingency planning
• Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers, vendors, and freight forwarders across the UK, Europe, and globally
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement improvement plans where necessary
• Conduct vendor assessments through on-site visits and capability reviews
• Establish systems for evaluating and selecting suppliers, and maintain the approved supplier list
• Lead supplier meetings to review performance, provide feedback, and plan production needs
• Mitigate risks related to supply, cost, and compliance across the supply chain
• Define and manage inventory strategies to support production needs
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to production operations
• Own material cost objectives and collaborate with internal stakeholders to achieve targets
• Roll out and enforce the company’s procurement policy both internally and externally
< i>Lead strategic sourcing efforts across European and Far Eastern markets
• Take a hands-on approach to identify opportunities for efficiency and cost-saving within production

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Relevant degree and/or CIPS qualification
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems
• Full UK driving licence
• Proven experience in stakeholder management

This vacancy is being advertised by HSB Technical Ltd, who have been exclusively retained as the recruitment partner for this position.

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.

READY TO DRIVE STRATEGIC IMPACT ACROSS HIGH-VISIBILITY CLIENT ENGAGEMENTS?

Job Summary:

This role presents an opportunity to lead a high-performing team of solution design professionals while playing a pivotal part in shaping and delivering transformative distribution strategies for leading global brands. You will be responsible for overseeing complex client programmes, ensuring alignment with business goals and execution excellence across multiple workstreams.

You will direct the strategic allocation of resources, mentor senior-level professionals, and reinforce a culture of accountability, performance, and innovation. Your leadership will extend to the development and refinement of methodologies that support scalable, best-in-class delivery.

You will work in close collaboration with FORTNA’s senior leadership and client stakeholders to align operational design strategies with broader business objectives—ensuring continuity from solution development through execution.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and scale a high-performing solution design team; provide strategic oversight on client project portfolios.
• Oversee the execution of complex distribution centre designs, acting as SME, Project Manager, or Solution Architect as required.
• Develop and implement scalable delivery frameworks and methodologies in coordination with leadership.
• Provide senior-level guidance on project execution, risk management, and business case validation.
• Direct internal workforce planning, resource management, and capability development within the team.
• Serve as an executive point of contact across multiple client engagements, fostering trust and alignment.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across internal teams to ensure alignment and efficiency in project delivery.
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation in tools, templates, and processes.
• Facilitate executive-level steering committees and lead strategic planning sessions.

Qualifications Needed:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, logistics, operations, or a related discipline.
• 7–12 years of experience in industrial engineering and supply chain consulting, including project leadership roles.
• Strong background in distribution operations, material handling systems, and operational design.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale client engagements and cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in technical disciplines such as Network Modelling and DC Design.
• High level of business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Strong executive presence with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated capability in mentoring senior professionals and developing high-performing teams.
• Willingness to travel regionally and internationally to support client delivery.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications such as CPIM, CSCP (APICS), PMP (PMI), or equivalent professional development.
• Additional training from industry-recognised institutions such as Georgia Tech or IIE is a plus.

Additional Details:

The role is based in our Milton Keynes office. We operate under a hybrid working model, with approximately 60% of the time spent in the office and the remainder working from home. This position involves travel to Client sites.

How to Apply:

Click the ‘Apply’ button or connect with Florencia Senia at