Managing Director

Managing Director – Supply Chain & AI Transformation

Inference Chain | UK: London, the Midlands or within commuting distance of London | Hybrid, with client travel

Lead the next chapter of a specialist supply chain business

Inference Chain is an established specialist implementation partner for RELEX Solutions, helping retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers transform demand planning, forecasting and replenishment.

We're entering an exciting phase of growth. Building on our strong RELEX foundation, we're expanding our technology partnerships and placing AI-enabled planning at the centre of our offering. Our ambition is to evolve into a broader supply chain and technology transformation business.

We're looking for a Managing Director to lead this next chapter.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines deep supply chain and technical expertise with the ambition to build and grow a business. You'll understand demand planning and forecasting at a practical level, having designed and delivered solutions yourself. You'll be equally comfortable leading a client design workshop, shaping a technology strategy or presenting to the Board.

This could be an excellent opportunity for an experienced Director, Practice Lead or senior technical leader ready to take the next step into a Managing Director position.

Technical credibility is our priority. We can support the right person in developing the broader commercial and P&L responsibilities that come with the role.

What you'll do

Business growth and strategy

• Shape and execute the business growth strategy, taking ownership of revenue, margins, utilisation and pipeline development.
• Expand our offering beyond RELEX into broader end-to-end supply chain transformation, with demand planning and forecasting at its core.
• Identify, evaluate and establish relationships with new technology and software partners.
• Lead senior client engagements, from initial conversations and solution shaping through to proposals and signed statements of work.
• Identify new market opportunities and develop Inference Chain's position within the UK supply chain technology landscape.

Technology and AI transformation

• Shape our AI-enabled planning proposition, identifying opportunities for machine learning forecasting, intelligent automation and AI agents to deliver measurable business value.
• Guide clients through platform selection, solution architecture, data strategy, integration and implementation.
• Act as the senior design authority on complex programmes, providing technical direction and stepping in where delivery needs support.
• Ensure our solutions deliver practical improvements across forecasting accuracy, replenishment, inventory optimisation and wider planning processes.

Leadership and delivery

• Lead, develop and grow our consulting and delivery teams.
• Establish consistent delivery standards and technical quality across all technology partnerships.
• Build a high-performing culture that combines technical excellence, commercial awareness and strong client relationships.
• Develop future leaders and strengthen the capabilities needed to support the next phase of growth.

Market presence and stakeholder engagement

• Act as a senior representative and ambassador for Inference Chain across clients, technology partners and the wider UK supply chain community.
• Build relationships with industry leaders and represent the business at relevant events, industry panels and through thought leadership.
• Report to the Board on business performance, growth opportunities, delivery risks and investment priorities.

What we're looking for

Essential experience

• A senior background within supply chain consulting, a systems integrator or professional services at a supply chain technology vendor.
• Deep, hands-on expertise in demand planning and forecasting, including statistical and machine learning forecasting, promotions and events, and the relationship between demand, replenishment, inventory and S&OP.
• A proven track record of designing and delivering planning solutions, rather than purely advising clients. You should be comfortable discussing data, configuration, integrations, solution architecture and how forecasting models perform in practice.
• Experience working with UK retail, grocery, wholesale or consumer goods organisations.
• The ability to engage credibly with both technical teams and senior business stakeholders.

Desirable experience

• Experience with RELEX Solutions and exposure to other planning platforms such as Blue Yonder, o9, Kinaxis, SAP IBP or Oracle.
• Experience implementing AI or machine learning capabilities in live planning environments, beyond proof-of-concept projects.
• Involvement in platform selection, solution architecture or large-scale supply chain transformation programmes.
• An established network of UK supply chain leaders, technology partners and industry contacts.
• Previous experience leading a consulting practice, technical team or P&L.

The person we're looking for

• A natural builder who is excited by the opportunity to grow a business and shape its future.
• Technically strong, hands-on and commercially minded.
• Comfortable moving between strategic decision-making and practical problem-solving.
• Able to translate complex technology into clear business outcomes.
• A confident leader who develops people, builds trust and leads by example.
• Someone who takes ownership, makes things happen and enjoys working in a growing business.

What we offer

• Competitive executive salary: £100,000 – £150,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Long-term incentives: significant equity in the business , so you share directly in the growth you create
• Real influence: A seat at the leadership table and the opportunity to shape the future direction of the business.
• Board-level support: Work closely with the Board, with support as you transition into the broader Managing Director responsibilities.
• An opportunity to build: Take an established specialist business into its next phase of growth, expanding its partnerships, capabilities and market presence.
• Flexible working: A hybrid arrangement, with a London office opening in the new year. Expect a couple of days a week working alongside the leadership team, alongside regular client travel.
• A meaningful leadership opportunity: Build a team, develop new propositions and help position Inference Chain at the forefront of supply chain and AI-enabled transformation.