Head Of Supply Chain in Faversham

Are you a passionate, analytical and innovative supply chain manager?  

We have a unique opportunity for a Supply Chain professional to oversee our stock control and replenishment process for our beers, wines, spirits and mineral product lines. You will be instrumental in keeping our pubs and national accounts fully stocked by ensuring stock is on hand when ordered.As our Head of Supply Chain, you will manage and be part of an enthusiastic team of 4, comprising of a production planner, supply planner and demand planner.  You will take overall responsibility for stock replenishment planning from outside vendors and our in-house production lines.  You will balance demand and supply, highlighting gaps and recommending solutions. You will work closely with our Sales, Production and Logistics teams to produce data-driven recommendations that resonate with our business, customers, and team members. You will seek to identify new ways to streamline our processes, reduce waste and find cost savings across the entire supply chain.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• Company laptop and mobile phone (and any other specialist equipment) to assist with the proper performance of your duties
• 25% discount on food at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
• 25% discount on overnight Managed House Hotel bookings
• Up to 40% discount on select purchases from the Visitor Centre Shop at Faversham
• Sheps Hut discounts and special offers hub on 100s of high street shops and services to help your monthly pay go even further
• Financial wellbeing app and early wage withdrawal scheme
• Generous Company Pension plan
• Share Incentive Plan
• Access to our mental well-being platform
• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. 08:30 - 17:00, Monday to Friday with 1 hour lunch (unpaid)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage, inspire and develop a small team, developing a qualitative approach.
• Manage the production planning and stock replenishment processes
• Balance the need for 100% stock availability against cost and business needs
• Be the main conduit between sales, production and the logistics teams
• Handle stock enquiries regarding out of stocks, delists, back in-stock dates
• Maintain an accurate sales forecast to drive the purchasing, production and logistics plans
• Issue weekly stock cover reports, highlighting upcoming risks to allow the business to respond
• Improve efficiency throughout the supply chain, eliminating waste and rework
• Work closely with the Production Finance Manager to track and report on production output in line with budget.
• Chair monthly Sales and Operations Meeting (S&OP) meetings with internal stakeholders
• Optimise purchasing plans and improve production up-time
• Maintain oversight of our stock at-risk process and manage actions to reduce it
• Control and coordinate half yearly stock takes and on finished goods
• Submit yearly packaging waste submissions, aligning with our sustainable and ethical practices

The ideal candidate:

• Friendly and approachable whilst remaining professional in a fast-paced environment
• SAP experience is highly beneficial, particularly WMS/production planning/purchasing
• Experience in a similar role, ideally from a FMCG background
• Familiarity with stock control systems
• Can balance demands from different areas of a business
• Excellent skills in relationship building and internal stakeholder management
• Highly analytical, with a proven record of problem-solving
• Highly enthusiastic, with self-drive and strong commercial acumen.
• IOSCM is desirable or working toward professional membership.
• Working knowledge of HMRC Excise compliance, rules and regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel & Outlook) and data analytical skills
• Confident working with large data sets
• A full driving license is required

Shepherd Neame may be Britain’s oldest brewer but our approach is anything but old-fashioned. We are an authentic, independent business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive based on the following Sheps Skills:

• Working Together
• Pride and Passion
• Authenticity
• Sheps Spirit

Who are we?

Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. An independent family business, we boast an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline. We employ around 1,500 team members across our pub estate and more than 270 at our Brewery and Support Office.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion matter to Shepherd Neame. If you think you would be suited this role we would welcome your application regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.