We are looking for a commercially minded and analytical Retail Supply Chain Manager (Maternity Cover) to join a busy and high-performing supply chain team. This is a pivotal role for an experienced supply chain professional who enjoys managing key retail customer relationships, leading teams, and driving improvements across forecasting, stock availability, and supplier performance.

A little bit about the role

• Act as the central point of contact for all Retail Supply Chain matters.

• Lead supply chain interactions with key retail customers, building strong and collaborative relationships.

• Create accurate sales forecasts and ensure supplier capacity aligns with future demand.

• Manage and develop a team of Supply Chain Controllers, ensuring stock, procurement, and inbound planning meet operational requirements.

• Maintain product availability across all categories while minimising working capital.

• Analyse sales performance, stock profiles, and key financial data to support strategic decision-making.

• Recommend purchasing strategies for core ranges and promotional activity.

• Identify underperforming products and implement corrective actions.

• Produce reports and insights for senior management and Board-level review.

• Contribute to annual budget planning and quarterly forecasting cycles.

• Ensure OTIF commitments are consistently achieved and supply chain performance remains commercially effective.

Essential:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a senior supply chain role.

• Degree-level education with strong commercial awareness.

• Proven experience leading, managing, and developing a team.

• Highly developed analytical skills with strong Microsoft Excel capability (including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs).

• Experience working with SAP and MRP systems.

• Ability to interpret complex data, problem-solve, and present insights confidently.

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and a proactive approach.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

• Positive, collaborative, and “can-do” mindset.

• Experience within retail supply chain, forecasting models, or category management would be advantageous.

Retail Supply Chain Manager (Maternity Cover) | Stoke-on-Trent | Supply Chain, Forecasting & Retail Operations
This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of Appointments Personnel, who are acting as an Employment Agency.