Are you a supply chain professional with a passion for operational excellence and delivering results? Join Compass Group as a Distribution Lead and play a key role in ensuring our national distribution systems deliver maximum value to our business, clients, and consumers.

About the Role

As the Distribution Lead, you will be responsible for managing and optimising the distribution network across Compass Group operations. In this strategic and hands-on role, you will lead the design and implementation of our distribution strategies, manage key distributor relationships, and oversee the performance and compliance of our supply chain partners. You’ll collaborate across commercial, operations, and supplier networks to ensure goods are delivered safely, on time, in full—and with continuous improvement in mind.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a robust Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) program that builds strong, customer-focused partnerships.
• Monitor and report DIFOT performance and drive initiatives to support availability, service and transparency.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, legislative and Compass Group policies, including HACCP, ICIX and ethical sourcing.
• Partner with the General Manager – Sourcing & Category to shape and evolve distribution strategy across CGA.
• Deliver insight-led recommendations on network performance, pricing, volume, and scope to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead or support senior stakeholder engagement, presenting analysis and performance insights to inform business direction.
• Use data and KPIs to identify trends, resolve issues, and ensure responsive, low-friction support for site operations.
• Own distributor relationship workflows including quarterly business reviews and performance governance.
• Collaborate with category teams and suppliers to align distribution strategies with broader sourcing initiatives.
• Mitigate substitution risks, ensure inventory continuity, and enable proactive issue management at site level.
• Support forecasting, automation, and real-time data analysis to optimise performance, cost, and service

About You

• 10+ years’ experience in FMCG, hospitality, retail, or other distribution-intensive environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead supplier/distributor performance and risk management programs.
• Strong analytical and project management capability, with a proven record of delivering on complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Skilled at stakeholder management with the ability to influence, challenge and drive change.
• Deep understanding of supply chain data, reporting systems, and risk mitigation strategies.

Why Join Us?

At Compass Group, you’ll join a team that is reshaping the future of supply chain and distribution in food and support services. We offer a collaborative and fast-paced environment, supported by industry-leading systems and opportunities for career progression. Be part of a company that’s committed to innovation, safety, and delivering value to its customers every day.