Best Fractional Chief Supply Chain Officer Services & Fractional Chief Logistics Officer Services in the UK

Outsourced Chief Supply Chain Officer & Chief Logistics Officer Agencies

When UK businesses talk about transformation in supply chain and logistics leadership, fractional, part-time, and outsourced CSCO and CLO services are where the action is. Whether you’re a scale-up needing experienced direction without the full-time headcount or a mature organisation looking to rethink global supply, these standout providers have earned reputations for showing up, rolling sleeves up, and delivering the goods literally and strategically.

This guide brings together some of the UK’s best Outsourced Chief Supply Chain Officer & Chief Logistics Officer agencies. Every company listed here is research-backed, client-reviewed, and deeply embedded in the UK supply chain ecosystem.

Our Methodology - Fractional CSCO Services

We didn’t just Google a list. Each firm here has been selected based on three core pillars:

✅ Research-driven: Verified track record, credible leadership, and visible client case studies.

✅ Client-reviewed: Positive testimonials, measurable results, and proof of impact in UK markets.

✅ Location-based: UK-first or UK-rooted operations, not just a London PO box.

We believe radical authenticity matters; every name on this list reflects our bias toward real operators, not just glossy sales decks. Let’s get into it.

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Fractional Chief Logistic & Supply Chain Officer Services 🔦 Provider Spotlights

PulseCSO

🔗 Website: www.pulsecso.com

What they do:
PulseCSO offers flexible, on-demand CSCO services for PE-backed mid-market firms and ambitious scale-ups. From rapid supply chain redesigns to interim procurement leadership, they step in when you need transformation without the drag of hiring cycles.

Who they work with:
Primarily industrial, distribution, and manufacturing SMEs.

Operating model:
Project-based or retained fractional leadership, with clear KPIs and milestone-driven delivery.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Proven playbooks for integrating digital supply chain tools fast.
  
  
• Known for crisis interventions turnaround supply chain bottlenecks in weeks, not months.
  
  
• Embedded, not detached: their fractional leaders operate as real team members, not consultants on the sidelines.

Dan Carson, Founder, PulseCSO

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dancarson

Dan Carson is a supply chain turnaround specialist with deep roots in manufacturing operations. He’s built PulseCSO around the belief that good supply chains need agile leaders, not just boardroom advisors. Dan is known for stepping into complex restructures and finding margins where others see waste.

SmartBuyer

🔗 Website: www.demo.smartbuyer.co

What they do:
SmartBuyer focuses on procurement transformation, often serving as a fractional procurement and supply chain office for UK retailers and manufacturers.

Who they work with:
Mid-market and enterprise procurement teams needing immediate expertise.

Operating Model:
Retained or project-based. Many engagements combine digital procurement tooling with interim leadership.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Proprietary frameworks for cost optimisation.
  
  
• Strong background in supplier negotiation and contract management.
  
  
• Often called in for rapid savings mandates.

Mark Coulson & James Hammersley, Co-Founder,s SmartBuyer

🔗 Mark's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/interimprocurement

James' Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshammersley/

Mark Coulson & James Hammersley have carved out a reputation as the go-to interim procurement leads in the UK. With decades of in-field experience, they bring deep knowledge of both public and private supply networks. His focus is on building repeatable playbooks that scale with the business. He’s direct, cost-focused, and a strong advocate for digital procurement tools to boost legacy teams. 

Scala Consulting

🔗 Website: https://www.scalagroup.co.uk/

What they do:
Scala is a heavyweight in supply chain and logistics consulting, bridging strategy and practical execution. They work with consumer goods, retail, and industrial supply chains to improve performance and resilience.

Who they work with:
From major FMCG brands to regional distributors especially those wanting sustainable, lean supply chains.

Operating Model:
Scala deploys fractional CSCOs for both transformation and steady-state optimization. Many clients retain Scala for multi-year partnerships.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Industry benchmark reports and original research drive tailored solutions.
  
  
• Renowned for robust sustainability frameworks.
  
  
• Often engaged by PE firms during due diligence to stress-test supply chain risk.

John Perry, Founder, Scala Consulting

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scalaconsulting/

John Perry founded Scala after two decades leading supply chain strategy for major UK grocery chains. His strength is bridging operational know-how with board-level strategy. His focus on resilient design and cost containment has earned Scala a reputation as one of the most respected names in UK logistics consulting. John’s LinkedIn presence highlights his thought leadership in sustainable logistics, a growing need for UK firms.

Cast UK Limited

🔗 Website: https://www.castuk.com/

What they do:
Cast UK bridges the gap between executive search and interim CSCO placements. They specialise in finding and placing top-tier supply chain and logistics leaders fractionally or permanently.

Who they work with:
A broad mix of industrial, e-commerce, and retail brands with urgent supply chain leadership needs.

Operating Model:
Flexible engagement, from urgent interim cover to part-time supply chain directors.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Deep talent bench fast turnaround for urgent placements.
  
  
• Consultants with operational backgrounds, not just recruiters.
  
  
• Strong focus on regional supply chain challenges, especially North England and Midlands.

Wayne Brophy, Founder, Cast UK Limited

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brophysupplychainrecruitment

Wayne Brophy is a well-known name in UK supply chain circles. He founded Cast UK to raise the bar for supply chain recruitment. He’s known for his no-fluff, commercially driven approach to solving complex supply challenges with the right people. Wayne frequently speaks on talent trends and emerging leadership gaps in logistics and operations. His LinkedIn posts reveal a candid approach to supply chain talent: less fluff, more fit.

Hewes Supply Chain Services Ltd

🔗 Website: https://www.hewes-scs.com/

What they do:
Hewes SCS delivers hands-on fractional supply chain leadership with a focus on logistics network design and warehouse efficiency.

Who they work with:
UK SMEs, especially those undergoing rapid distribution changes or scaling operations.

Operating Model:
Fractional or project-based CSCO leadership, often coupled with on-site operational audits.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Deep operational audits uncover hidden efficiencies.
  
  
• Sector-specific expertise in food, retail, and consumer goods.
  
  
• Practical, boots-on-ground supply chain leadership.

Alex Hewes, Founder, Hewes Supply Chain Services Ltd

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hewes-fcilt/

Alex Hewes is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Known for getting hands-on in distribution centres, he’s trusted by growing SMEs to design robust, scalable supply chains. He’s a hands-on strategist who has built credibility across boardrooms and factory floors alike. With FCILT credentials and a reputation for operational clarity, Alex is trusted by firms facing complex supply chain resets.

Wrapping Up

Whether you need a short-term fix or a long-term partner to transform your supply chain and logistics functions, the UK has no shortage of authentic, battle-tested fractional CSCO and CLO leaders ready to step in.

At Digital Reference, we surface the most credible, founder-led, and radically transparent service providers across growth-critical categories. Whether you're scaling your GTM or rebooting your supply chain, we give you a signal in the noise providers who deliver, not just pitch. We believe in cutting through the noise to spotlight the real operators, those who aren’t afraid to get stuck in when things get messy.

Want more insights on building your best-fit outsourced leadership team? Keep an eye on our other spotlights or drop us a line. Radical transparency, always.

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