The posting
Job Description
Supply Chain Development Lead Ocado Logistics | Hybrid - Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Here at Ocado Logistics, it’s our mission to provide an outstanding customer experience for our partners, developing groundbreaking technology, opening multiple sites at an accelerating rate, and engaging in exciting new business partnerships around the world—changing the way the world shops, for good.
We are the beating heart of our UK business and comprise a network of cutting-edge warehouses and offices across the country that ensure we optimize the experience and use our proprietary technology across the supply chain to deliver an exceptional shopping experience. At the same time, we deliver bags of possibilities for our employees and a career that ensures no two days are ever the same.
About the role
At Ocado Logistics, we're always looking for ways to make our supply chain smarter, more efficient and more effective. We're looking for a Supply Chain Development Lead to join our Supply Chain function, taking ownership of key improvement initiatives and driving meaningful change across Demand Planning, Inbound, Operations, Analytics and Systems. This is an opportunity to step back, look at the bigger picture and make a tangible difference to how a complex, fast-paced supply chain operates.
You'll work closely with the Head of Supply Chain and senior stakeholders to identify where things aren't working as effectively as they could, understand the root causes and bring the right people together to make improvements happen. From improving service, availability, inventory and capacity performance to leading critical projects and preparing the business for seasonal peaks, you'll turn insight into action and ensure changes deliver lasting results.
What will I be doing? You'll have a broad remit, with the opportunity to influence some of our most important Supply Chain priorities.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Driving Supply Chain improvement: Partner with the Head of Supply Chain and senior leaders to identify opportunities to improve service, availability, inventory, capacity and cost performance.
- Leading projects end-to-end: Take ownership of priority improvement initiatives, from defining the problem and developing a delivery plan through to implementation and measuring the benefits.
- Solving complex problems: Lead root-cause analysis to understand what's driving performance issues, identify solutions and ensure corrective actions are delivered.
- Improving processes and ways of working: Challenge existing processes, introduce better tools and controls, remove inefficiencies and simplify how teams operate.
- Supporting seasonal readiness: Lead or support preparation for key trading periods, including Christmas and seasonal peaks, ensuring risks, dependencies and recovery plans are in place.
- Bringing teams together: Work across Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Technology, retail partners and suppliers to align stakeholders and drive progress.
- Turning data into action: Use KPIs, performance data and insight to identify trends, highlight opportunities and translate findings into practical improvement plans.
- Embedding continuous improvement: Coach and support colleagues in structured problem-solving, encouraging greater ownership and building a sustainable improvement culture.
- Keeping things on track: Establish clear actions, ownership and governance, providing updates on progress, risks and benefits to senior stakeholders.
About you
We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, commercially minded and passionate about making businesses work better. You'll be comfortable getting under the skin of complex operational challenges, asking the right questions and working collaboratively with stakeholders.. Just as importantly, you'll know how to bring people with you on the journey, influence stakeholders at different levels and turn ideas into changes that actually stick.
You could currently be operating as a Supply Chain Development Specialist, Continuous Improvement Manager, Business Improvement Manager, Supply Chain Project Manager or Operational Excellence Lead. Your current job title isn't important; what matters is your ability to identify opportunities, lead change and deliver measurable improvements across a complex operation within frontline/FMCG/logistics or retail industries.
You will enjoy the balance of combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery – setting direction, spotting opportunities and rolling up your sleeves to turn ideas into meaningful, measurable improvements.
You'll ideally bring:
- Proven experience leading Supply Chain performance improvement, strategic projects or business change within a complex FMCG, logistics or online retail environment.
- A broad understanding of Supply Chain operations and key performance measures, including service, availability, inventory, capacity and cost.
- A track record of delivering projects and improvements through others, whether or not you've had direct line management responsibility.
- Experience identifying inefficiencies, conducting root-cause analysis and implementing improved processes or ways of working.
- The ability to interpret data and performance metrics, translating insight into clear recommendations and practical actions.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with senior leaders and teams across different business functions.
- Good commercial judgement, understanding how to balance customer, operational and financial priorities.
- Strong organisation and project delivery skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and see initiatives through to completion.
- Resilience and adaptability, particularly when navigating competing priorities, operational pressure and business change.
- Experience with structured improvement methodologies such as Lean, Lean Six Sigma, PDCA or other root-cause problem-solving approaches would be beneficial. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or relevant Supply Chain qualification is desirable, but equivalent practical experience is equally valuable.
Why join Ocado Logistics?
At Ocado, we believe in a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, so you’ll find a safe and collaborative atmosphere that is as fresh as our produce, as well as an award-winning recognition programme and benefits package that includes a healthy work-life balance, extensive healthcare coverage, competitive salaries, and exclusive employee discounts. Join Ocado Logistics today and become a part of a culture that wholeheartedly values and supports your well-being throughout every stage of your career.
- Flexible Work: Enjoy 30 days of 'work from anywhere' policy for a balanced life.
- Wellbeing Support: Access dedicated apps and an Employee Assistance Programme for holistic well-being.
- Generous Leave: Begin with 25 days, growing to 27 after 5 years, with an option to buy more.
- Pension Plan: Secure your future with our pension scheme, featuring up to 7% employer contribution matching.
- Private Medical Cover: Rest easy with comprehensive private medical insurance.
- Family-Friendly: We support your family with maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and paternity leave.
- Financial Aid: Get interest-free train tickets and join our Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Shuttle Services: Convenient free shuttle buses connect you to work.
- Share Schemes: Join exciting share plans to participate in our success.
- Shopping Perks: Enjoy a 15% discount on Ocado.com and savings at popular retailers and restaurants.
- Financial Protection: We offer Income Protection and Life Insurance for financial security.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, prioritising inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals, ensuring a supportive and accessible workplace for people with disabilities. So, whatever your background or story, you’ll find a home at Ocado Logistics.
