Sn Operations Manager (CI & Innovation) (Ref: 188247)

We are seeking a passionate, analytical, and customer-obsessed leader to join our senior leadership team as Head of Network Performance & Optimisation. This high-impact role is pivotal in ensuring our supply chain supports business growth, innovation, and operational excellence across our retail operations.

You will lead the development and execution of strategies that balance cost, speed, and quality—driving short-term improvements, medium-term structural change, and long-term innovation. This is a field-based operational role with visibility across senior stakeholders

1. Network Optimisation & Strategy:

   • Develop and implement a roadmap for supply chain network optimisation.

   • Lead initiatives to improve cost, quality, and speed across the network.

   • Align network design with strategic business goals and growth plans.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

   • Work with Procurement, Operations, Logistics, IT, and other departments to improve performance.

   • Facilitate workshops and reviews to drive continuous improvement.

   • Support commercial decisions with supply chain capabilities.

3. Innovation & Automation:

   • Introduce automation and digital tools across systems, transport, and warehouse processes.

   • Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

   • Model multiple network scenarios to optimise capacity, service, and cost.

4. Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

   • Establish and track KPIs for network performance.

   • Provide regular updates to senior leadership.

   • Analyze operational performance to identify issues.

5. Scalability & Growth Enablement:

   • Ensure the network is resilient, flexible, and scalable.

   • Build capacity and capabilities for strategic decision-making.

   • Develop plans to sustain delivery and performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, or similar.

• 5–10 years in supply chain network performance or planning leadership roles.

• Experience in retail and omnichannel environments, including FMCG.

• Strong understanding of network optimisation, planning, inventory, and execution.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Office Suite skills.

• Strong organisational and governance skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including to executive board level.

• High-energy self-starter with a collaborative and hands-on approach.

• Proven ability to influence and manage senior stakeholders.

• Strong analytical thinking and data interpretation skills.

• Project management and decision-making capabilities.

• Familiarity with retail-specific challenges such as seasonal trends and promotional cycles.

• Competitive salary

• Pension

• Long service awards

• Employee discount

• Cycle to work scheme

• Flexible and Hybrid working

Position: Permanent, Full-time

Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:45am – 17:30pm

Location: Plymouth, Devon