WMG at the University of Warwick champions future sustainable manufacturing leaders through supply chain diversification initiative
Published: 03 June 2026
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick is helping to shape the next generation of manufacturing leaders through a leadership programme delivered as part of the Supply Chain Transition Programme. This new initiative from the West Midlands Investment Zone and the Mayor of the West Midlands supports manufacturers build resilience, innovate and adapt to changing market demands.
In a recent interview with Liz McArdle, Innovation Manager for the SME Group at WMG, who brings decades of experience working with manufacturing businesses and an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises - explained why leadership programmes are so vital.
“We very much focus on future sustainable manufacturing leaders,” Liz said.
“Leadership doesn’t mean you have to be a CEO or Managing Director. Change happens at every level of an organisation, and we need leaders throughout” she added.
Delivered in a cohort format, the Supply Chain Transition Programme’s Leadership training brings together professionals from a range of manufacturing backgrounds, creating opportunities for peer learning and long-term collaboration.
“From the outset, we emphasise the value of networking – building relationships for future partnerships, innovation and support,” Liz explained. “It’s not just about teaching theory – participants bring significant manufacturing experience and sharing that practical knowledge is a key part of the learning.”
The course begins with individuals exploring self-awareness and personal leadership foundations, before moving onto influencing skills, team development, motivation and managing difficult conversations. It then broadens to examine business alignment, inclusive culture and innovation processes, including how to build robust business cases for new ideas.
Industry speakers also contribute, sharing their own leadership journeys and reflections on sustainability and innovation, giving participants practical insight from real-world experience.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its direct integration with participants’ workplaces. Before starting, each participant is supported by a senior sponsor within their organisation to ensure learning is applied to real business challenges.
“This isn’t about case studies,” Liz said. “Participants use what they learn to address real issues in their own businesses. Whether that’s introducing change, identifying stakeholders or strengthening communication around innovation.”
The Supply Chain Transition Programme helps manufacturers diversify and strengthen their supply chains, while responding to evolving market conditions. Although technical skills will differ across sectors, Liz highlighted innovation capability and change management as critical to future success.
“When you move into a new supply chain, you’re dealing with unknowns. Managing innovation risk is different from everyday business risk,” she said. “Collaboration is vital – you don’t need to carry all the risk yourself. Partnerships can provide technical expertise, commercial insight and credibility.”
Balancing day-to-day operational pressures with long-term strategic thinking remains a challenge for many manufacturers, making leadership capability increasingly important.
While leadership development has long been recognised as essential, Liz stressed the importance of sustained action: “We’ve talked about leadership for years. What’s encouraging now is seeing manufacturers actively engage – shaping programmes, committing time and supporting their people. That momentum is critical.”
As the sector navigates technological change, regulatory evolution and economic uncertainty, WMG’s Leadership Programme aims to equip future leaders with the resilience, collaborative mindset and innovation skills needed to secure sustainable manufacturing success across the region.
Applications for the next Supply Chain Transition Leadership cohort are now being considered as part of the enrolment of SMEs onto the Supply Chains Transition Programme. SMEs can express interest to see if they are eligible by getting in touch at [email protected].
