Head of Sourcing & Supply (Mandarin Speaking) - Distinct Recruitment : Job Details

We are looking for an experienced Head of Sourcing and Supply to take full ownership of our end-to-end global supply chain. This is a senior leadership role that requires strong supply chain expertise, excellent negotiation skills, and full fluency in both English and Mandarin. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior leadership position within a fast-growing consumer brand. You will have full strategic ownership of our supply chain, work internationally, and make a direct impact on business performance.

Location: East Midlands (with regular travel to the US and China) Hybrid working - 2 days WFHSalary: £ per annum DOE

Overview of the Role

As Head of Sourcing and Supply, you will be responsible for a stock purchasing budget of approximately $5M annually, overseeing supplier partnerships, and driving supply chain efficiencies. You will lead demand planning, inventory control, and logistics while negotiating contracts to reduce costs and improve supplier performance.

This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and involves leading a small team, managing critical supplier relationships (particularly in China), and ensuring that operations are robust, scalable, and commercially effective. The position includes regular international travel, with trips to China 2-4 times a year.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a small supply team.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as primary liaison for Chinese suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts and drive cost efficiencies across the supply chain.
• Manage demand planning, forecasting, and inventory control.
• Oversee international logistics to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards and KPI reporting.
• Travel internationally to maintain strong supplier and internal stakeholder relationships.

Person Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in operations, supply chain management, or strategic sourcing.
• Background in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), personal care, or related sectors.
• Full professional fluency in English and Mandarin (essential).
• Strong track record of cost reduction, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Expertise in demand planning, inventory management, and global logistics.
• Ability to thrive in a high-growth, fast-paced business environment.