Head of Supply Chain & Logistics

About Ideal Direct

Ideal Direct is a private company managing multiple brands in consumer products, operating sales primarily through Amazon, eBay, B&Q, and TikTok Shop across the UK, Europe, and the US. The company currently approaches £15 million in revenue, aiming to grow to £100 million by 2030. This pivotal position offers the chance to design and develop the supply chain function that will drive this growth.

Role Overview

This leadership role invites an experienced supply chain professional to fully own and build the supply chain and logistics operations. Responsibilities include managing Amazon FBA restocking for UK & EU, inventory control and forecasting, liaising with Chinese suppliers for quality control, overseeing 3PL and freight logistics, and managing the daily activities of the Rochester warehouse.

The successful candidate will direct a team of four managers and collaborate closely with the Finance and Operations Director to establish scalable infrastructure and processes suitable for a £100 million business.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee comprehensive supply chain and logistics operations across UK, EU, and US sales channels.
• Manage end-to-end Amazon FBA replenishment including Inventory Performance Index (IPI) monitoring, restock strategies, and space optimization for UK and EU warehouses.
• Direct inventory and demand planning across all sales platforms.
• Maintain supplier relationships, conduct quality assurance processes, and manage direct factory interactions in China, including on-site visits.
• Coordinate 3PL partnerships and freight logistics, focusing on EU to UK hub transitions and direct shipments to FBA EU facilities from China.
• Lead Rochester warehouse operations, mentor the Warehouse Manager, and elevate team performance and work culture.
• Develop and implement key performance indicators, reporting protocols, and operational systems to support business scaling.

Measures of Success in the First Year

• Assumed full ownership of the supply chain function, allowing senior leadership to focus on strategic initiatives.
• Established a live KPI system and regular reporting cadence.
• Significantly enhanced inventory accuracy across sales channels.
• Completed the logistical EU transition.
• Built strong capabilities within direct reports.
• Initiated design of the future operating model for next-level company growth.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years in senior supply chain leadership roles within multi-brand, Amazon-centric, or e-commerce businesses generating between £30 million and £150 million in revenue.
• Practical expertise with Amazon FBA processes including replenishment, IPI management, and Seller Central operations for UK and EU markets, with US experience considered a plus.
• Hands-on experience managing suppliers in China, including direct factory oversight and quality control interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement systems, processes, and team development initiatives from the ground up.
• Strong commercial acumen involving understanding of contribution margin, working capital, stock turnover, and cost-to-serve metrics.
• Effective people leadership, with a commitment to team growth and collaboration rather than avoidance.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence to represent the department at director and board levels.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from £80,000 to £95,000, dependent on experience.
• Performance-based bonus scheme.
• Private healthcare coverage.
• Company pension scheme.
• 26 days of annual leave plus official bank holidays.
• Hybrid work model with primary base in Rochester and flexibility options.