Supply Chain Director Recruitment

What the role involves

• Defining and executing the supply chain strategy aligned to business objectives, covering make vs buy decisions, supplier base strategy, and logistics network design
• Leading procurement, planning, logistics, and supplier development functions, managing the supply chain management team and function budget
• Managing supply chain risk and building resilience, including dual-sourcing strategies, safety stock policies, and business continuity planning
• Driving cost reduction and working capital improvement, including payment term management, inventory optimisation, and freight cost reduction
• Developing strategic supplier relationships and category strategies, including supplier tiering, long-term agreements, and supplier development programmes
• Reporting supply chain performance to the board, including supplier OTIF, inventory days, purchase price variance, and risk exposure

Who employers are looking for

A degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business provides the academic foundation, with MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) valued at Director level. APICS CSCP or CLTD certification is increasingly valued in complex global supply chain environments. In automotive environments, AIAG and VDA supply chain methodology knowledge is often expected as a baseline.

Global supply chain management experience is the primary differentiator at Director level. Supply Chain Directors who have only managed domestic or simple supply chains are rarely competitive for roles in automotive, aerospace, or FMCG environments where the supply chain spans multiple continents, currencies, and regulatory regimes. A demonstrated track record of leading major supply chain transformation programmes, restructuring supplier bases, implementing S&OP processes, or managing major logistic network redesigns, is what separates shortlisted candidates from the wider field.

The ability to report supply chain performance credibly at board level and manage supply chain risk as a business risk (not just an operational one) has become a defining requirement as supply chain has gained board-level visibility.

Salary benchmarks

Automotive and aerospace Supply Chain Directors earn above general industrial equivalents. MCIPS qualification adds market value. Package typically includes car allowance, 20-30% bonus, and pension. PE-backed businesses include LTIP or equity.

Industries that hire Supply Chain Directors

• Automotive: leading complex global JIT supply chains with OEM OTIF requirements and APQP supplier development obligations
• Aerospace: managing long-lead, highly regulated supply chain operations with AS9100 supplier qualification requirements
• FMCG and food: managing high-velocity global supply chains with category management, retailer compliance, and seasonal demand planning
• Pharmaceuticals: managing GDP-compliant global supply chain with cold chain, serialisation, and regulatory traceability requirements
• Industrial manufacturing: leading procurement and logistics strategy for capital equipment, engineered products, or industrial components businesses

Related roles

• Operations Director: the most common line management relationship for the Supply Chain Director, with supply chain as one of the operational functions
• Managing Director: Supply Chain Directors with broad operational experience and P&L exposure are candidates for MD appointments in distribution and supply chain-led businesses
• Chief Operating Officer: in businesses where supply chain is central to the value proposition, Supply Chain Directors with broader business exposure progress to COO appointments
• Manufacturing Director: the peer role in manufacturing businesses where manufacturing and supply chain report at the same level into the Operations Director or MD

Where we place Supply Chain Director professionals

We place Supply Chain Director professionals across the UK. Browse by location or register your CV for roles that match your experience.