Overview
Job Post date: 8 July 2026 | Location: Hybrid – site presence expected within the South & Southeast England | Contract type: Perm | Salary: £56,476 with the potential to rise to £66,443 over 3 years | Closing Date: 22 July 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Network Optimisation Manager within the Supply Chain team.
The Network Optimisation Manager will drive continuous improvement initiatives, support business growth, and ensure the network remains agile, resilient, and capable of meeting evolving customer and operational demands. The role is responsible for analysing network performance, identifying opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction, and implementing optimisation strategies that enhance service delivery, customer experience, and business performance. The role requires cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Planning, Commercial, Technology, and Finance teams to design and optimise network solutions that align with organisational objectives. Data-driven forecasting, modelling and performance metrics will be used to improve capacity utilisation, resource allocation and operational effectiveness across the network.
Responsibilities
- Lead network optimisation activities by analysing customer demand, delivery volumes and distribution centre capacity to improve service performance, reduce operating costs and support efficient route, zoning and delivery channel decisions.
- Manage the governance, approval and configuration of delivery locations, acting as the subject matter expert for delivery network design while ensuring operational, commercial and customer requirements are met.
- Own and optimise key logistics systems and reporting tools, including the DF and Site Survey databases and customer service dashboards, ensuring data accuracy, compliance, continuous improvement and enhanced decision-making capability.
- Manage third-party carrier performance and transport costs across the network, supporting demand smoothing initiatives, seasonal planning, cage return programmes and cost-reduction opportunities while ensuring optimal service delivery.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with NHS customers, logistics partners and internal stakeholders, providing operational insight, resolving service issues, supporting supply chain optimisation projects and driving continuous improvement across the distribution network.
What we offer
We reward dedication with a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Hybrid working opportunities
- Annual bonus schemes, long service recognition and colleagues’ recognition awards
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase a further 5 days
- Development opportunities through in-house training and external qualifications
- One paid day for well-being leave and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous pension scheme (employer contribution 12% when you contribute 6%)
- Flexible Benefits Scheme (Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Health Cash Plan, Dental Insurance, and additional pension contributions)
- 2 days of paid volunteering leave
- Discounts such as Blue Light Card and NHS Discounts
NHS Supply Chain – Who we are
We support the NHS to save lives and improve health. We are part of the NHS family and source, deliver and supply healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales. We serve every NHS Trust with a national network of distribution centres, managing relationships with more than a thousand suppliers and delivering more than 8,000,000 orders each year to more than 17,000 locations. This work helps NHS staff focus on patient care.
Skills and experience
- Experience in service logistics and supply chain operations with planning, coordination and process optimisation to support efficient service delivery.
- Highly analytical and numerically minded, able to interpret complex data and translate insights into practical actions.
- Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, compliance and high-quality outcomes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools to support reporting and decision-making.
- Effective stakeholder management, capable of independent or collaborative work and driving results.
Our Inclusive Commitment
We are committed to an inclusive environment where difference is valued and celebrated. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job advert.
For accessibility or alternative application options, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@supplychain.nhs.uk.
Note: We may close the advert early if applications are high. Please apply promptly.
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