Head of Operations. Lancashire

Our clients are a  leading brand of childrenswear and sportswear operating across a group of companies, internationally as well as in the UK. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Operations to join this amazing brand. This senior role has overall responsiblity for all scheduling and movement of goods, freight, logistics and warehousing services.

International logistics experience of working with a variety of off-shore factories and sourcing offices is essential.  You must live and work in the UK or have full right to work in the UK. Textile / clothing experience desirable but not essential. 

Main Duties:

To lead and communicate effectively on all aspects of supply chain, warehousing and distribution to customers for the brand across the UK and international businesses, including:

Direct Management of 3 key reportees in Supply Chain, Resource planning and Warehousing services and an overall team of approximately 30 colleagues.

Overseeing the effective planning of movement of goods from multiple origin countries to 40 destination countries worldwide.

Overseeing and managing warehouse services to receive, store, pick and pack orders to meet the required OTIF.

Constantly driving order efficiency improvements and thus reducing costs per SKU.

Managing product flows both in and out of the UK, and international warehouses, to ensure efficient operations leading to a high level achieved on business KPI’s including OTIF, freight costs, variable labour and inbound delivery.

 Helping to negotiate and oversee key supply chain contracts including inbound freight, outbound freight/courier and other distribution services.

 Working closely with key reports and wider teams across disciplines like sales, marketing and customer services to scale up and down effectively to support the seasonal nature of the business.

Maintaining an active role in the wider senior management team and ensuring good communication across the Operations team with other areas of the business.

To work with colleagues across the wider group as and when required.

Key Responsibilities:

Building the yearly operational plan across sites and supply lines to ensure reliable flow of goods.

Planning resource to meet the operational plan.

 Manage the operational teams to ensure timely delivery.

 Set the correct standard operating procedures across the business and establish KPI targets.

Manage third party contracts and cross group synergies.

Skills, experience and education requirements:

A proven record in managing supply lines and shipping logistics in a time critical environment both within the UK and internationally.

Relevant experience in setting and managing budgets and measuring performance against these.

A strong understanding of supply chain vulnerabilities.

 Experience of leading teams in time challenged situations.

 Proven strong negotiating skills relating to third party contracts.

Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of numerate accuracy.

International logistics experience of working with a variety of off-shore factories and sourcing offices.