COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Formation Lighting is a Specialist Architectural Lighting Manufacturer pushing boundaries in lighting design and manufacture we are based in London with production facilities in Stanstead and Somerset. Our approach involves collaborating closely with architects, lighting designers, MEP consultants, and project teams to deliver tailored lighting solutions for commercial offices, retail, leisure, healthcare, industrial and residential.
If you’re interested in joining a dynamic, rapidly growing business with ambitious expansion plans, we’d love to hear from you.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

· Proven experience leading end-to-end supply chain operations in a design-led or manufacturing business, ideally within the lighting, construction, or related industries.
· Hands-on experience with procurement, logistics, and inventory management systems with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
· Leadership experience managing and developing supply chain or buying teams, with the ability to build a proactive, accountable, and high-performing culture.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Work Location: In perso

ROLE PURPOSE

The Head of Supply Chain is responsible for leading and optimising the end-to-end supply chain function, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective flow of materials, components, and finished products across the business. This role drives strategic planning and operational excellence across procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supplier relationships to support on-time delivery, product quality, and profitability.
Working closely with production, sales, product development, and project teams, the Head of Supply Chain ensures alignment between customer demand and operational capability. The role is critical to maintaining agility and resilience in the supply chain while supporting innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across all functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Develop and implement the overall supply chain strategy aligned to business growth, lead times, and customer expectations.
· Forecast material and component needs in collaboration with sales, design, and project teams to ensure demand planning accuracy.
· Define and monitor supply chain KPIs, driving continuous improvement and cost efficiency.
· Lead and manage the buying team to ensure on-time, cost-effective purchasing of components, finished goods, and raw materials.
· Build strong supplier partnerships with both UK and international vendors, ensuring reliability, ethical standards, and innovation.
· Negotiate terms and pricing with key suppliers, ensuring quality and cost balance for bespoke and standard product lines.
· Oversee stock levels across manufacturing and the Essex warehouse to ensure availability while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
· Implement robust systems for inbound and outbound goods tracking, ensuring accuracy against paperwork and ERP systems.
· Manage third-party logistics partners and internal delivery drivers to meet tight site delivery windows and project schedules.
· Work closely with the production supervisor to ensure materials are available in line with production schedules and project timelines.
· Support lean manufacturing principles, reducing waste and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
· Monitor internal lead times and bottlenecks to support planning and delivery commitments.
· Provide visibility and supply chain input into project kick-off meetings, identifying risks and material availability issues early.
· Ensure supply chain responsiveness to bespoke product development, including rapid sourcing for project-specific components.
· Lead the optimization of ERP and inventory management systems to improve real-time tracking, reporting, and forecasting.
· Ensure accurate documentation, compliance, and reporting on supply chain performance and risk.
· Lead, develop, and motivate teams to build capability, accountability, and cross-functional alignment.
· Set clear performance goals.
· Organize and prepare parts (kitting) for internal projects and external suppliers, ensuring timely availability.
· Liaise with suppliers, the purchasing team, and internal departments to resolve delivery issues or delays.
· Support smooth workflow and operational efficiency through clear and timely communication.
· Ensure compliance with warehouse safety protocols and report hazards, damaged goods, or unsafe practices.
· Provide support to colleagues during peak periods or when additional resources are needed.