Supply Chain Operations Specialist

As a Supply Chain Operations Specialist at Brakes, you'll focus on delivering key initiatives and projects across the Sysco GB network. Your role will entail gathering and analyzing data, participating in project planning and scoping sessions, performing end-user acceptance testing, and addressing any challenges that arise by conducting thorough analyses. Your contributions will be vital in enhancing operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and improving overall customer satisfaction.

To qualify for the Supply Chain Operations Specialist role at Brakes, candidates should possess a solid knowledge of the end-to-end supply chain and operational experience in a fast-paced warehousing environment, ideally in the FMCG sector. It's crucial to have experience implementing continuous improvement projects, familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies, and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including MS Project and MS Visio. Knowledge of SAP would also be advantageous.

Yes, the Supply Chain Operations Specialist role at Brakes requires extensive travel, including overnight stays, particularly before project implementations. While the position is home-based, the requirement to be on-site or travel across the country for meetings and project-related activities is essential to successfully fulfill your responsibilities.

The company culture at Brakes is fun and friendly, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. They celebrate the unique talents of each employee and encourage a collaborative work environment. Brakes aims to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive, making it an excellent setting for a Supply Chain Operations Specialist to contribute and grow.

Working as a Supply Chain Operations Specialist at Brakes comes with numerous benefits, including a competitive salary of £43,280, a company car, and additional perks such as a pension plan and options for purchasing extra annual leave. Moreover, employees enjoy substantial discounts on award-winning products and access to a broad range of career development opportunities within one of the leading foodservice businesses in the world.

In answering this question, focus on your analytical skills and your experience with continuous improvement methodologies. You can discuss specific initiatives you've led, emphasizing your ability to identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and analyze the results. Relating a personal success story or example will greatly strengthen your response.

When addressing your experience with Six Sigma, it's important to mention specific projects where you've utilized Six Sigma tools and principles. Share how these experiences helped streamline processes, reduce waste, or enhance quality within the supply chain. Highlight your certifications, if any, and demonstrate your understanding of the methodologies.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a specific challenging project you’ve faced as a Supply Chain Operations Specialist. Clearly outline the challenges, the steps you took to address them, the teamwork involved, and the successful outcomes of your efforts, showcasing your problem-solving and leadership skills.

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks, such as assessing urgency and importance using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix. Mention how effective communication with team members and stakeholders plays a key role in ensuring that critical tasks are addressed promptly. Providing an example of a busy period where you successfully managed competing priorities will enrich your answer.

Mention the software tools you have experience with, particularly those relevant to the supply chain, such as SAP, MS Excel, MS Project, and MS Visio. Highlight how you have utilized these tools effectively to analyze data, manage projects, or enhance supply chain visibility. Discussing your proficiency can illustrate your readiness for the role.

Share your approach to effective communication with cross-functional teams, emphasizing collaboration and transparency. Discuss examples of how you've facilitated strong relationships across departments, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that everyone is aligned on project goals and expectations. Good interpersonal skills are crucial for success in this role.

Talk about key performance indicators (KPIs) you monitor, such as inventory turnover, order fulfillment rates, and lead times. Explain how you use these metrics to identify trends, measure success, and inform decision-making within the supply chain. This will demonstrate your analytical capabilities and understanding of supply chain dynamics.

Use the STAR method to recall a situation where a major change occurred, detailing your adaptation process. Highlight your flexibility, how you communicated with stakeholders, and the strategies you employed to manage the transition effectively. This shows your ability to thrive in dynamic environments, which is critical for a Supply Chain Operations Specialist.

Discuss current challenges such as supply chain disruptions due to global events, the need for sustainability, or the impact of digital transformation. Your understanding of these challenges will reflect your industry knowledge and ability to anticipate issues, making you a valuable asset in the role at Brakes.

Express your enthusiasm for joining Brakes, emphasizing their commitment to quality service and a supportive culture. Highlight your alignment with their values, interest in furthering your career in foodservice supply chains, and eagerness to contribute to their mission of providing excellent service. A genuine expression of your interest will set you apart from other candidates.