Lead Operations & Supply Chain Manager
5 days ago
City of London
We are partnering with a dynamic, independent Health & Wellness brand with offices in London and Brighton. This fast-growing, founder-led business is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Operations & Supply Chain Manager to join their close-knit team. Now over 10 years old, this entrepreneurial brand has built a strong reputation in luxury health supplements, with a direct-to-consumer model that fosters deep, lasting relationships with its community. With a mission-driven culture that values balance, mental wellbeing, and authenticity, they are looking for someone who is genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about the wellness sector, and eager to contribute to a brand that truly makes a positive impact. As Lead Operations & Supply Chain Manager, you’ll have the autonomy to lead the full operational lifecycle - from end-to-end supply chain management to NPD production. Reporting to the Head of Brand & Product, you will oversee production, supplier partnerships, logistics, and regulatory compliance, ensuring every product meets the brand’s high-quality standards while optimising cost and efficiency. This is a pivotal role for a hands-on, solutions-focused professional with strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. You’ll balance strategic leadership with day-to-day delivery, driving initiatives that directly influence the brand’s growth, innovation, and customer experience. Responsibilities: • Lead monthly forecasting and stock management, ensuring optimal production volumes and inventory levels across the full product range., • Oversee end-to-end production of powder products, managing multiple manufacturers and ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance., • Build and maintain strong senior relationships with manufacturing and supply partners, driving efficiency and collaboration., • Develop and implement robust contingency and disaster recovery plans, including secondary supplier options and product recall procedures., • Own cost-of-goods management and monthly production reconciliations with the Finance Director., • Champion sustainability by identifying and introducing new, lower-impact packaging solutions., • Drive NPD Ops from concept to launch, including costing, supplier onboarding, and test production runs., • Ensure all production and NPD activities meet regulatory requirements and quality assurance standards., • Report regularly to the management team on production performance, highlighting opportunities for efficiency and margin improvement., • Lead, coach, and support the Product Manager while fostering best practices and maintaining clear communication across internal teams. Requirements: • 10+ years’ proven experience in operations and supply chain management, ideally within the health supplements industry., • Strong track record in overseeing complex, large-scale supply chains and managing multiple manufacturing partners., • In-depth knowledge of GMP, ISO 9001, and best practices in production, quality, and compliance., • Experienced in managing supplier relationships, SLAs, contracts, and quality control processes., • Confident working in a lean, hands-on environment without dedicated procurement, legal, or finance teams., • Solid understanding of UK regulatory and compliance requirements for supplements (US experience a plus)., • Advanced Excel skills with extensive experience in forecasting and data analysis., • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills with sharp attention to detail., • Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented, with a passion for health, wellness, and nutrition.