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
VP of Supply Chain / Head of Global Operations
5-10 years at this level before CSCOSkills to master
- Enterprise-wide P&L management, multi-country operational leadership, strategic vendor management, leading large-scale digital transformation projects.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a business unit's supply chain to significant P&L improvements
- Built and retained a high-performing leadership team
- Consistently delivered on strategic objectives
- 2
Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a smaller/mid-sized company
3-7 years as COOSkills to master
- Broad operational oversight beyond just supply chain (e.g., customer service, IT), full P&L accountability, board engagement, investor relations.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to manage all aspects of a company's day-to-day operations
- Successfully scaled a business
- Demonstrated strong financial acumen and strategic leadership
- 3
Management Consulting Partner (Specialising in Supply Chain)
10-15 years as a PartnerSkills to master
- Deep expertise in multiple industries, advising C-suite clients on complex supply chain strategy, business development, thought leadership.
You're ready to move on when
- Built a significant book of business
- Recognised as a leading expert in supply chain transformation
- Successfully delivered high-impact strategic projects for Fortune 500 clients