Supply Chain Delivery Lead

The Supply Chain Delivery Lead is responsible for leading a team that oversees the end-to-end movement of materials through the Distribution Centre, ensuring seamless inbound and outbound flow. This role will ensure the Supply Chain team executes daily operational tasks effectively, supplier performance aligns with contractual agreements, and all material transactions are delivered on time and in full. Acting as the main point of escalation, the Supply Chain Delivery Lead plays a crucial role in maintaining supplier relationships, driving process compliance, and supporting operational continuity.

What you will be doing as a Supply Chain Delivery Lead
Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team comprising Supplier Managers, Junior Supply Chain Managers, and Supply Chain Administrators.
• Set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support professional development within the team.
• Ensure the completion of daily tasks by the Supply Chain team, maintaining accountability and a focus on continuous improvement.

Supplier & Framework Management

• Oversee supplier performance in line with agreed Framework Agreements, ensuring compliance with service level expectations.
• Act as the point of escalation for supplier-related issues raised by team members or operational partners.
• Manage relationships with Framework Suppliers to resolve problems, improve service, and ensure timely and complete deliveries.

Operational Support & Issue Resolution

• Collaborate closely with warehouse and distribution centre operational teams to coordinate the flow of inbound and outbound materials.
• Proactively manage delivery schedules to ensure materials arrive on time and in full, mitigating any delays or disruptions.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts related to supplier deliveries and materials movement.

Material Flow & Data Accuracy

• Monitor and manage the efficient flow of materials through the distribution centre, supporting outbound operations as needed.
• Support the maintenance of accurate master data and take ownership of resolving supply chain-related data issues or discrepancies.
• Ensure systems and processes support accurate tracking and reporting of supply chain activity.

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as a key liaison between the supply chain team, suppliers, and internal operational departments.
• Provide regular updates and reports on supplier performance, delivery status, and team productivity.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities and resolution of supply chain challenges.

Location: Didcot Regional Distribution Centre, Oxfordshire.
Hours of work: Monday to Friday, 36 hours a week.

What skills are we looking for?
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:

• Proven experience in supply chain management within a distribution or logistics environment.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop a diverse team.
• Demonstrated success in managing supplier relationships and resolving supplier performance issues.
• In-depth knowledge of end-to-end supply chain operations, from procurement to distribution.
• Strong understanding of master data management and its impact on operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering between £46,500 to £48,500 per annum, depending on experience and skills
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.