Global Director Of Supply Chain & Operations

Barbour International; South Shields; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading apparel company in South Shields is seeking a Global Director of Supply Chain & Operations to oversee its global supply chain strategies from sourcing to logistics. Ideal candidates will have extensive leadership experience and a strong background in apparel manufacturing. The role offers a discretionary bonus scheme, staff shop benefits, and additional holidays based on service duration.

Benefits

Discretionary company bonus scheme

Staff shop

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven global supply-chain leadership at a strategic level.
• Experience in managing complex projects and international supply chains.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global supply chain strategy.
• Drive agility and cost controls in supply chain processes.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing supply chain team.

Skills

Global supply-chain leadership

Apparel manufacturing expertise

Relationship management

Commercial acumen

Proficient in Excel

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Global Director of Supply Chain & Operations

South Shields, England, United Kingdom

Company Description

Barbour was founded in 1894 in South Shields, North East England, supplying oilskins and garments to sailors, fishermen and dockers. Family‑owned and now in its fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, the brand has expanded to over 55 countries, offering functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the British countryside. Iconic wax jackets such as the Bedale and Beaufort are still made by hand at the South Shields factory. In 2020 Barbour launched “Wax for Life”, a comprehensive service encouraging customers to extend the life of their wax garments; each year more than 70,000 pieces are returned for repair, rewaxing or alteration.

Position Overview

Barbour is recruiting a Global Director of Supply Chain & Operations (End to End) based at Barbour House in South Shields. The senior leader will own the entire global supply chain, designing and executing strategies from sourcing and procurement through manufacturing, logistics and fulfilment to support ambitious growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an end‑to‑end supply chain strategy aligned with seasonal calendars, product lead times and long‑term growth objectives.
• Align supply‑chain capabilities with commercial, product and customer strategies, partnering with Design, Product Development, Merchandising and Sales.
• Drive agility and speed‑to‑market while maintaining cost controls, sustainability targets and quality standards.
• Lead strategic planning and scenario modelling to anticipate risks and opportunities across the supply‑chain network.
• Provide strategic oversight of global sourcing, procurement, quality assurance, and supplier portfolio management.
• Champion supplier innovation, sustainability and long‑term partnership development.
• Govern global logistics and distribution, optimizing inbound/outbound freight, customs and warehousing, and developing distribution strategies for wholesale and DTC/e‑commerce channels.
• Monitor performance of warehousing, transportation, and 3PL partners, driving continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
• Set operational direction for internal and external manufacturing, ensuring production meets quality, cost and delivery targets, and promote lean manufacturing and process optimisation.
• Embed sustainable sourcing, circularity and responsible manufacturing into the operating model, ensuring adherence to regulatory, ethical and environmental standards.
• Implement digital transformation initiatives (AI, predictive analytics, ERP such as Infor M3, PIM) to enhance visibility, decision‑making and scenario planning.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing team of supply‑chain leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience

• Proven global supply‑chain leadership at a strategic level, with deep expertise in apparel manufacturing, global sourcing and omnichannel fulfilment.
• Experience scaling supply chains for international growth and managing complex projects and change.
• Strong people and relationship management skills; ability to influence teams and departments at all levels.
• Solution‑focused, innovative, and comfortable navigating ambiguity and change.
• Willingness for global travel to support suppliers and manufacturers when required.
• Exceptional commercial acumen, negotiation, communication and planning skills.
• Detail‑driven with the ability to think strategically, plan ahead, identify and mitigate risks, and manage day‑to‑day challenges.
• Experience managing customer service functions and international supply chains, including overseas factories and Far‑East suppliers.
• Proficient in Excel and ERP systems with strong IT skills.

Benefits

• Discretionary company bonus scheme.
• Staff shop and 25 days holiday (increasing with length of service) plus bank holidays.
• Free onsite parking and subsidised canteen.

Application Note

In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications is received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Supply Chain
• Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion