Interim Supply Chain Specialist

Interim Supply Chain Specialist 6 Month Contract | Consumer Products | Global Ops | ERP / Integration Environment

We are supporting a fast-growing, internationally trading consumer products business operating across multiple global markets. With inventory manufactured in Asia and distributed via a mix of 3PL partners and e-commerce channels (including Amazon), the business is now entering a critical phase of operational optimisation. Following recent investment in systems infrastructure and integration tooling, there is a requirement for a hands-on interim supply chain specialist to stabilise operations, implement scalable processes, and build a fit-for-purpose function.

The Role

Reporting to the CFO, you will take ownership of the end-to-end supply chain during a period of transformation. This is a high-impact, delivery-focused role requiring both strategic design and hands-on execution. Key challenges include:

• Stock-outs across multiple regions
• Inventory reconciliation issues between systems, 3PLs, and marketplaces
• Limited visibility on inbound shipments and lead times
• Inefficient working capital deployment
• Lack of structured reporting and performance management across logistics partners

Responsibilities

Diagnostics & Stabilisation

• Conduct a rapid end-to-end review of supply chain processes, systems, and data
• Identify root causes of stock and reconciliation issues
• Implement immediate controls and reporting to stabilise operations
• Act as primary interface with logistics partners and e-commerce platforms

Process Design & Implementation

• Build a robust inventory management framework (forecasting, safety stock, reorder points)
• Establish structured inbound tracking and communication processes
• Standardise reconciliation procedures across all inventory locations
• Define supplier management processes (lead times, MOQs, quality control)
• Introduce KPIs and performance cadence for 3PL partners

Systems & Automation

• Partner with finance and systems teams to optimise data flows across ERP and integration layers
• Define system requirements for inventory and purchasing processes
• Identify and implement automation opportunities
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of marketplace and ERP data

Working Capital Optimisation

• Analyse stock positioning and identify inefficiencies
• Model optimal inventory levels across regions
• Review supplier terms and recommend improvements
• Deliver a quantified working capital improvement plan

Team Build & Handover

• Design a lean, scalable supply chain function
• Support hiring of a permanent team (manager + coordinators)
• Ensure full documentation, onboarding, and handover

Key Deliverables

• Month 1: Diagnosis, stabilisation, and visibility tools in place
• Months 2–3: Core processes, systems alignment, and optimisation plans delivered
• Months 4–6: Team in place, processes embedded, full handover completed

Required Experience

• 8–12+ years in supply chain, including senior-level responsibility
• Proven track record in transformation, turnaround, or interim environments
• Experience operating across multiple geographies and currencies
• Strong exposure to China sourcing, international logistics, and 3PL management
• Familiarity with e-commerce and marketplace fulfilment (e.g. Amazon)

Systems

• Working knowledge of ERP systems
• Understanding of system integrations / middleware (e.g. Celigo or similar)
• Strong Excel / modelling capability

Capabilities

• Rapid problem diagnosis in complex environments
• Structured and clear communicator (operational and board-level)
• Commercially minded, particularly around working capital
• Hands-on and delivery-focused
• Comfortable operating autonomously in an interim capacity

Engagement Details

• Contract: Interim (Outside IR35 expected)
• Location: Primarily remote with occasional travel
• Start: ASAP