Greggs is more than a bakery—it’s one of the UK’s most beloved food-on-the-go retailers, serving millions of customers each week. At the heart of this well-oiled machine lies the Supply Chain Manager. This role is crucial to ensuring that products are sourced, stored, and delivered on time, every time, across their expansive UK network.
As a Supply Chain Manager at Greggs, your responsibilities may include overseeing logistics, managing inventory, optimising supplier relationships, leading sustainability initiatives, and working closely with production and retail teams. You’ll play a key role in keeping the shelves stocked and operations running smoothly—all while reducing costs and improving efficiency.
The average salary for a Greggs Supply Chain Manager ranges from £45,000 to £65,000 per year, depending on experience, with potential bonuses and benefits such as profit-sharing, employee discounts, and pension contributions.
Let’s break down the 20 most common interview questions for this position—and how to answer them like a pro.
1. Tell us about your background in supply chain management.
Tip: Highlight relevant roles, industries, and accomplishments.
Sample Answer:
I have over eight years of experience in supply chain management, including roles in FMCG and food distribution. In my last role, I managed a team of 12 and reduced logistics costs by 18% through route optimization and supplier consolidation.
2. Why do you want to work for Greggs?
Tip: Be specific—talk about culture, mission, innovation, or sustainability.
Sample Answer:
Greggs stands out for its customer focus and sustainability goals. I admire the company’s move toward renewable energy and food waste reduction. I want to contribute to a purpose-led business that values innovation and impact.
3. How do you ensure supply chain efficiency and cost control?
Sample Answer:
I use data analytics tools like SAP and Power BI to track KPIs such as lead time, inventory turnover, and cost per unit. I also implement lean principles to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement.
4. Describe a time you solved a logistics issue.
Sample Answer:
In my previous role, a major supplier faced delays due to strikes. I activated alternate suppliers from our contingency list and rerouted deliveries, ensuring zero downtime in production.
5. How do you handle forecasting and demand planning?
Sample Answer:
I use historical data, market trends, and cross-functional collaboration with sales teams. By integrating predictive analytics, I increased forecast accuracy by 22% in my last position.
6. What’s your approach to supplier relationship management?
Sample Answer:
I focus on building strategic partnerships through regular performance reviews, clear KPIs, and mutual growth opportunities. I’ve led negotiations that saved £500k annually.
7. How do you manage inventory levels across multiple sites?
Sample Answer:
I implement real-time tracking systems and automated reorder points based on historical data. I also conduct monthly audits and cycle counts to avoid stockouts or overstocking.
8. What supply chain KPIs do you monitor and why?
Sample Answer:
Key KPIs include OTIF (on-time in-full), inventory turnover, logistics cost per unit, and forecast accuracy. These provide a holistic view of supply chain health and guide strategic decisions.
9. Describe your experience with supply chain software and tools.
Sample Answer:
I’m proficient in SAP, Oracle SCM, and WMS platforms. I also use Power BI for dashboard reporting and Tableau for data visualisation to track and improve operations.
10. How would you manage a sudden supply chain disruption at Greggs?
Sample Answer:
I would activate a contingency plan, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and identify alternative suppliers or routes. I’d also assess the root cause to prevent future disruptions.
11. How do you lead and motivate your team?
Sample Answer:
I believe in servant leadership—offering support, clear goals, and regular feedback. In my last role, I improved team performance by implementing weekly huddles and individual development plans.
12. What are the biggest challenges in food logistics?
Sample Answer:
Shelf-life sensitivity, fluctuating demand, and temperature control are key challenges. I mitigate these with robust planning, tech-driven monitoring, and collaborative supplier relationships.
13. How do you incorporate sustainability into supply chain practices?
Sample Answer:
I reduce carbon emissions by optimising delivery routes and consolidating shipments. I also work with eco-conscious suppliers and prioritise recyclable packaging options.
14. How do you ensure food safety and compliance in supply chains?
Sample Answer:
I implement HACCP protocols, conduct supplier audits, and use traceability systems to track product movement from source to store.
15. What would you do in your first 90 days as a Supply Chain Manager at Greggs?
Sample Answer:
I’d start by understanding Greggs’ supply chain structure, meet key stakeholders, review current KPIs, and identify quick wins for efficiency or cost savings.
16. How do you balance cost-saving initiatives with service quality?
Sample Answer:
I use value stream mapping to identify cost-saving opportunities that don’t compromise quality—such as automating repetitive tasks or renegotiating freight contracts.
17. Tell us about a time you led a successful project.
Sample Answer:
I led a warehouse digitisation project that introduced RFID scanning, reducing errors by 35% and cutting processing time in half.
18. How do you approach change management in supply chains?
Sample Answer:
I use structured models like Kotter’s 8-Step Process and ensure stakeholder engagement through communication, training, and pilot testing.
19. How do you ensure supplier compliance with ethical and legal standards?
Sample Answer:
I establish clear supplier codes of conduct, conduct annual audits, and use third-party verification tools to ensure standards are met.
20. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Sample Answer:
I bring a proven record of reducing costs, improving service levels, and building high-performing teams. My values also align with Greggs’ culture of innovation and responsibility.
Final Words: Tips to Ace Your Greggs Interview
Interviewing for a role like Supply Chain Manager at Greggs is your chance to show leadership, technical ability, and a mindset for continuous improvement. Prepare real-world examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), research Greggs’ sustainability and innovation goals, and practice concise, confident delivery.
Bonus Tips:
Dress business casual—even for video interviews.
Ask thoughtful questions about Greggs’ supply chain strategy.
Bring a portfolio or presentation if possible.
Be yourself—Greggs values authenticity and collaboration.
Good luck—you’ve got this! If you found these insights helpful, be sure to bookmark this page and share it with others prepping for a Greggs interview.
