Assistant Manager - Supply Chain Operations

ABOUT US
tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions - from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald's, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.
tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com .
ROLE SUMMARY
The Assistant Manager, Supply Chain Operations (SCO), is responsible for managing supplier relationships and executing procurement and supply chain strategies within the Packaging category across a defined market or sub-region.
The role focuses on execution excellence, owning day-to-day supplier engagement and operational delivery while ensuring consistent implementation of sourcing activities, supplier performance management, and supply assurance in alignment with category strategies and customer requirements. The position operates within a clearly defined category and market scope, supporting delivery under Line Manager oversight.
This position is accountable for ensuring stable and efficient supply chain operations through proactive supplier management, capacity and contingency planning, and the execution of sourcing initiatives (e.g., RFP/RFI, supplier evaluation, and contract input support).
The role works closely with suppliers to build collaborative and performance-driven partnerships, ensuring alignment to cost, quality, service, and innovation expectations. At this level, the Senior Specialist / Assistant Manager operates independently within defined scope, with clear accountability to escalate commercial, supplier, and strategic decisions to the Line Manager where required, while actively supporting resolution.
The individual partners with cross-functional teams-including Product Development, Quality, Commercial, and Procurement Services-to support product commercialization, supplier selection, and end-to-end supply chain execution. The role contributes to category strategy delivery through strong execution discipline, operational insight, and supplier intelligence, without owning overall category outcomes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Supplier Management & Execution

• Execute Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities across assigned suppliers within assigned scope, including exposure with strategic & critical suppliers and independently managing assigned suppliers.
• Build and maintain effective supplier relationships to ensure reliable delivery, quality, and service performance
• Conduct supplier business reviews, joint planning sessions, and performance discussions in alignment with established engagement frameworks
• Manage day-to-day supplier interactions and expectations, including issue resolution, follow-ups, and performance tracking
• Escalate commercial, strategic, and supplier-related issues to Manager / Senior Manager in a timely manner and actively support resolution

Sourcing & Category Execution Support

• Execute sourcing initiatives including RFP/RFI processes, supplier evaluation, and contract input preparation
• Execute supplier strategies defined by category leads in alignment with category roadmaps and business priorities
• Support supplier segmentation processes and maintain accurate supplier portfolio data
• Provide operational insights and analytical inputs to support category strategy development

Supply Assurance & Risk Management

• Manage assured supply planning within assigned scope, including capacity tracking, contingency planning, and supply risk mitigation
• Monitor supply performance and proactively escalate risks related to disruptions, quality, or pricing fluctuations
• Support execution of supply continuity and contingency plans across assigned markets

Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor supplier performance against defined KPIs and drive corrective actions to support continuous improvement
• Support implementation of supplier performance frameworks and improvement initiatives
• Track, analyze, and report supplier performance, ensuring visibility of risks, gaps, and progress against targets

Stakeholder & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Product Development, Quality, Commercial, and Procurement teams to support sourcing, commercialization, and supply chain execution
• Act as a coordination point between suppliers and internal stakeholders within assigned scope
• Support resolution of supplier-related operational issues across functions

S2C Process & Governance Execution

• Support Source-to-Contract (S2C) processes, including data preparation, supplier engagement, and documentation
• Manage contract execution activities in partnership with Procurement Services teams
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, processes, and data governance requirements

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Experience: Typically, 5+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing, with hands-on experience in supplier management and operational execution
• Execution & Delivery Excellence: Strong ability to manage day-to-day supplier operations, ensuring delivery against timelines, quality standards, and supply requirements
• Supplier Management Capability: Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and performance within a defined scope, driving accountability and follow-through
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze operational data and identify issues, with a structured approach to resolving supply, cost, and performance challenges
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Experience working effectively in a matrix environment, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver aligned outcomes
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage suppliers and internal stakeholders clearly and effectively
• Drive & Accountability: Strong sense of urgency and ownership, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes reliably
• Decision Discipline & Governance: Ability to operate independently within assigned scope while exercising sound judgment on when to escalate decisions, applying governance principles, and supporting resolution
• Business & Commercial Awareness: Foundational understanding of cost drivers, supply chain dynamics, and procurement processes
• Technical & Systems Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and familiarity with procurement or sourcing systems
• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; relevant certifications are an advantage.