The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director of Global Logistics / Operations
5-10 years at Director level before VPSkills to master
- Mastering end-to-end operational execution, managing large budgets, leading multi-regional teams, and driving significant cost savings and service improvements. This means proving you can run a complex part of the supply chain with excellence.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major global logistics transformation programme.
- Consistently delivered against multi-million-pound P&L targets.
- Built and developed a high-performing leadership team.
- Demonstrated strong influence and collaboration across executive peers.
- 2
Chief Procurement Officer (CPO)
5-10 years as CPO before VP of Supply ChainSkills to master
- Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, category management, and driving value through procurement. This means understanding the upstream elements of the supply chain and how to optimise supplier networks.
You're ready to move on when
- Transformed a procurement function to deliver significant strategic value beyond just cost savings.
- Managed complex global supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
- Successfully navigated major supply market disruptions.
- Demonstrated strong ethical leadership and risk management in sourcing.
- 3
Head of Manufacturing Operations (Global)
5-10 years in this role before VP of Supply ChainSkills to master
- Expertise in global manufacturing strategy, lean principles, quality management, and production planning across multiple sites. This means understanding how products are made and how to optimise the entire production network.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully optimised global manufacturing footprint for cost and agility.
- Implemented significant automation or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
- Consistently met production targets while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
- Proven ability to integrate manufacturing with planning and logistics.