Supply Chain Team Leader

PURPOSE

To lead the Supply Chain team in delivering an effective, responsive and commercially focused supply chain service in support of Tesco operations.

The role will be responsible for the day-to-day management of supply chain activities, ensuring the availability of products and materials required to support planned and reactive maintenance, operational requirements and contractual service commitments.

The Supply Chain Team Leader will balance service, cost, inventory, supplier performance and operational risk, ensuring client requirements are consistently met while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost and enhance the overall client experience.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Contract & Service Performance

Take day-to-day responsibility for Supply Chain service delivery across the contract, ensuring agreed service levels and KPIs are achieved.

Monitor and manage product availability, backorders, stock levels, lead times and other key Supply Chain performance measures.

Proactively identify potential supply issues and implement appropriate recovery actions to minimise disruption to client operations.

Drive continuous improvement activities that improve service delivery, reduce cost, minimise risk and enhance operational efficiency.

Ensure issues are escalated promptly and appropriately, with clear ownership and action plans through to resolution.

Maintain a strong Right First Time approach to Supply Chain service delivery.

Support the achievement of contract, financial and operational objectives.

Ensure Supply Chain priorities reflect the criticality of products and the operational impact of supply failure.

Prioritise critical, urgent and business-essential requirements to protect client service and operational continuity.

Identify opportunities to improve product availability, standardisation, stockholding and replenishment.

Lead or participate in regular Client meetings at the appropriate peer level.

Drive a culture of continuous improvement across the Supply Chain team.

Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, improve productivity and lower Supply Chain costs.

Ensure appropriate escalation of operational, commercial and service risks.

Supplier & Vendor Relationship Management

Monitor supplier performance against agreed TVS and Client requirements, including availability, lead time, quality, delivery and responsiveness.

Maintain regular contact with key suppliers and build strong, professional working relationships.

Lead supplier performance discussions and ensure agreed actions are followed through to completion.

Proactively manage supplier issues affecting service delivery, cost, quality or process performance.

Escalate persistent or significant supplier performance issues through the appropriate governance process.

Team Leadership & Development

Establish clear priorities and ensure team members understand their individual responsibilities and contribution to contract performance.

Provide daily leadership, coaching and support to manage priorities and resolve issues.

Monitor individual and team performance against agreed objectives and KPIs.

Create a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture.

Develop team capability through coaching, knowledge sharing and on-the-job development.

Ensure appropriate resilience and cross-training within the team to maintain service continuity.

Recognise and address performance issues promptly and constructively.

Ensure Supply Chain processes are followed consistently and effectively.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience.

Previous experience in a Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Inventory or similar operational environment.

Experience of leading or supervising a Supply Chain, Logistics or operational team.

Experience with in Facilities Management, engineering, maintenance, logistics or a similar service environment would be advantageous.

Strong customer and service focus, with an understanding of the importance of product availability to operational performance.

Effective communicator at all levels, with the ability to build strong relationships with Clients, suppliers and colleagues.

De…