Sacha Vaughan, the chief supply chain officer at Joseph Joseph, is in a fortunate position as her board recognizes the critical role of the supply chain in the digital age, which she acknowledges is not always the case. She emphasizes that many brands often view the supply chain as simply moving boxes from one place to another, underestimating its complexity. However, after experiencing challenges in the past, the board now understands that the supply chain is a significant lever for cost control and treats it strategically.
According to Vaughan, the recognition of the importance of product fulfillment is not solely driven by internal cost pressures. She highlights that supply chain chiefs have faced a decade marked by various disruptions, such as the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit, and changes in tariffs following the new US administration. Despite the volatility in the supply chain landscape, these disruptions have elevated the supply chain’s importance from the basement to the boardroom.
Embracing supply chain transformation
Vaughan joined Joseph Joseph in February 2025, bringing a wealth of experience from previous senior operations roles. She was drawn to the opportunity to lead the supply chain transformation at Joseph Joseph after a discussion with the firm’s co-founder and CEO, Richard Joseph. Vaughan was impressed by Richard’s vision and the innovative products the company offers.
At Joseph Joseph, Vaughan inherited an underdeveloped supply chain that she is now focused on transforming into a modern, technology-enabled system. Her goal is to develop an award-winning supply chain by leveraging the talent within the organization and implementing strategic changes.
Making the most of digital and data
As the chief supply chain officer, Vaughan oversees the end-to-end supply chain and strategic sourcing of products at Joseph Joseph. She emphasizes the importance of digital technology in modern supply chain operations and the need for seamless systems integration to enhance efficiency.
The company utilizes an ERP system running on SAP for day-to-day operations, with a focus on enhancing other IT areas supporting the supply chain. Vaughan is deliberate in her approach to selecting technology that aligns with the company’s objectives, aiming for end-to-end integration and system coherence.
When it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Vaughan acknowledges their potential but emphasizes the importance of aligning technology adoption with the business strategy. She works closely with the IT department to ensure that technology solutions address the company’s specific needs and challenges.
Working with trusted partners
One of Vaughan’s key initiatives was establishing a partnership with XPO Logistics for third-party distribution centers in the UK. The seamless data interface between Joseph Joseph and XPO ensures efficient and controlled logistics operations, allowing Vaughan’s team to focus on business growth rather than operational challenges.
By leveraging the expertise of trusted partners like XPO Logistics, Vaughan believes that companies can achieve better customer experiences and operational efficiency. This strategic approach to partnerships enables Joseph Joseph to streamline its supply chain and focus on core business activities.
Focusing on core activities
Joseph Joseph’s partnership with XPO Logistics in managing distribution services has allowed Vaughan’s team to prioritize business growth over logistical challenges. Vaughan emphasizes the importance of knowing what is core to the business and leveraging expert partners for efficient operations.
Reflecting on the changes in the supply chain landscape, Vaughan remains optimistic about the role of supply chain officers in the digital age. She emphasizes the need to focus on customer-centric approaches and leverage technology to create frictionless experiences. Successful supply chain leaders, according to Vaughan, will be those who prioritize customer needs and embrace digital transformation.
