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- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of innovative supply chain strategies for the MOD.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Defence, a key player in national security and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply chains while supporting the UK's defence and prosperity.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex transformations and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving change in a critical government function.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is seeking a senior manager to serve as Head of Supply Chain Architecture. This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest and most complex Commercial and Supply Chain function in government, at a time of fundamental change and reform when the focus is on designing a new future state and making a real difference in creating and delivering value for the MOD, to support in protecting the nation and helping the UK prosper.
The MOD spends over £20bn per year across 6000+ contracts ranging from large equipment platforms such as ships, aircraft and vehicles to critical support contracts and property and FM, corporate services, complex IT and infrastructure, food, clothing and medical supplies.
This crucial role sits within the Supply Chain Directorate (operating pan MOD) reporting into the Deputy Director of Supply Chain Architecture. This role will establish a new capability that will enable the direction & principles to build supply chains which meet Defence’s strategic & operational needs through:
- Inform & Understanding Supply Chain Policy & Strategy
- Setting Supply Chain Performance Outcomes
- Influencing Options Development
- Generating Supply Chain Design Principles
- Identifying Supply Chain Design Requirements
- Ensure Supply Chain Design Implementation
The capabilities will be enabled through 3 service offers which cover the full capability lifecycle. This team will work across Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ), National Armaments Headquarters (NAHQ) and Delivery Organisations depending on the service being provided.
This is following delivering a successful Supply Chain design pilot with the Complex Weapons Strategic Programmes Team and Industry to help identify the design principles for the future Complex Weapons supply chain.
In this role you will provide Supply Chain Architecture expertise for the MOD and play a key part in the broader Supply Chain Directorate Leadership team. You will lead part of the MOD Supply Chain design and architecture service and the delivery responsibilities for developing and embedding it, providing senior level leadership and experience across the department on the future state. You will support the Deputy Director of Architecture in developing the maturity and performance of the MOD Supply Chain Capability in terms of processes, technology and people.
Technical skills
We will assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- A highly resilient, decisive team player with a focus on collective goals. Experienced at decision making at senior levels with minimal direction and is an excellent problem solver.
- Experience in leadership roles in complex organisation transformations, with demonstrable knowledge and successful change delivery across the end-to-end lifecycle.
- Experienced and successful leader, with outstanding relationship and stakeholder management ability with suppliers, clients and colleagues alike. A confident, adaptable communicator able to achieve effective, efficient outcomes.
- A strategic thinker, successful track record in operational delivery, financial control and strategic risk management at senior levels. Experience of implementing Supply Chain Architecture.
- Practical knowledge and understanding of tech/capability requirements process, early market engagement, supply chain/industry shaping opportunities and the relative linkages to the acquisition process.
Head of Supply Chain Architecture in London employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain Architecture in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the MOD. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the MOD’s current supply chain initiatives. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your examples to demonstrate your experience in complex organisation transformations and stakeholder management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your vision for the future of supply chain architecture. Think about how your leadership style aligns with the MOD’s objectives and be ready to discuss how you can drive change effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the supply chain landscape. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain Architecture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Supply Chain Architecture role. Highlight your experience in leadership and complex organisation transformations, as well as any relevant supply chain architecture expertise. We want to see how your skills align with what the MOD is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in supply chain management and how you can contribute to the MOD's goals. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving abilities. The MOD is looking for someone who can make decisions at senior levels with minimal direction. Share instances where you've tackled challenges head-on and achieved effective outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Supply Chain Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in supply chain architecture, especially within the defence sector. Familiarise yourself with the MOD's current supply chain policies and strategies, as well as their recent projects. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the organisation's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through complex transformations. Highlight your decision-making skills and how you've navigated challenges in a senior role. The MOD is looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and approach.
✨Build Relationships
Since stakeholder management is key in this role, think of ways to demonstrate your ability to build and maintain relationships. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your communication skills and how you've effectively collaborated with suppliers, clients, and colleagues in previous roles. This will help illustrate your adaptability and confidence.
✨Think Strategically
Be prepared to discuss your strategic thinking process. The MOD wants someone who can not only deliver operational results but also contribute to long-term planning. Think about how you've approached risk management and financial control in the past, and be ready to share your insights on aligning supply chain architecture with broader organisational goals.
