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- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement and manage procurement activities for the NHS Supply Chain.
- Company: Join NHS Supply Chain, supporting healthcare by sourcing and delivering essential products and services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous holidays, bonuses, and a focus on your well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in change management, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement is essential.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage all to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Job Title: Head of Delivery and Continuous Improvement
Function: Commercial
Location: Hybrid working – Any NHS Supply Chain Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £88,825 with potential to rise to £104,500 over 3 years
Closing Date: 5th March 2025
The Head of Improvement and Delivery will lead continuous improvement working with the Head of Strategy, Reporting and Business Management to align to overall strategy and coordinate the delivery of the procurement activity portfolio.
Every day you will …
- Proactively plan and manage the pipeline for optimum delivery
- Lead engagement across the Category and Procurement Operations function to assure delivery of the pipeline
- Contribute options to improve our approach to delivering the portfolio
- Measure, monitor and manage Commercial Directorate resources at a macro-level to support efficiency identification
- Recommend resource model changes to ensure our flexibility and adaptability
- Coordinate all Continuous Improvement activity at pace – across short/medium/long term and small/medium/large sizes
- Ownership of the front door for the Commercial Directorate from the “Simplify” programme
- Provide Leadership to own team and part of Directorate Senior Leadership Team
- Drive capability improvements and champion excellence in everything we do
What can we offer you?
- Hybrid working opportunities, giving you the flexibility to work collaboratively in the office and remotely.
- We recognise our employees’ hard work and contributions with annual bonus schemes, long service, and VIP colleagues awards.
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days.
- We are dedicated to your development, through in-house training, support, and access to external qualifications to maximise your potential.
- A focus on your well-being offering 1 day of paid well-being leave and free access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Generous pension scheme (with us contributing 12% when you contribute 6%).
- Access to our Flexible Benefits Scheme, where you can choose from a variety of benefits such as Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Health Cash Plan, Dental Insurance, and additional pension contributions that suit you.
- 2 days of paid volunteering leave allowing you to give back to your community.
- Access to many discounts from the Blue Light Card to NHS Discounts.
NHS Supply Chain, who are we?
Our role is to support the NHS to save lives and improve health. We are a part of the NHS family, and our role is to source, deliver and supply healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.
We serve every NHS Trust and operate a national network of distribution centres, managing relationships with more than a thousand suppliers and delivering more than 8,000,000 orders each year to more than 17,000 locations. Doing all of this on behalf of the NHS gives NHS staff more time to focus on their main priority of providing excellent patient care.
What skills will help you thrive in this role?
- Operates as a recognized expert to remove constraints and blockers, and share power by putting the needs of the employees first and help people develop and perform as highly as possible.
- Operates as a recognized expert to demonstrate a change mindset as well as plan, execute and monitor activities during times of change whilst keeping performance levels up.
- Operates as a recognized expert to identify potential stakeholders, analyze their expectations, and develop strategies for managing stakeholders and their expectations.
- Refining Process Techniques
- Managing Change
- Project Portfolio Management
Want to develop your career with the NHS Supply Chain? Then apply below or reach out for an informal discussion about the role in confidence by emailing us at
Our Inclusive Commitment
At NHS Supply Chain, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where difference is not only valued, but celebrated, giving everyone the opportunity to thrive in their career. Developing our people is key to our success, so if this role sounds like the right next step in your career but your experience doesn’t match perfectly with the job advert, we encourage you to still apply.
Struggling to complete our application form, and require additional support? Reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at who will be happy to help you with alternative ways to apply.
We reserve the right to close any vacancy from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. Please apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.
SCCL is a company Registered in England and Wales, with company number 10881715, to act as the management function of the NHS Supply Chain.
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Head of Delivery and Continuous Improvement employer: NHS Supply Chain
Contact Detail:
NHS Supply Chain Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Delivery and Continuous Improvement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the NHS Supply Chain's mission and values. Understanding how your role as Head of Delivery and Continuous Improvement aligns with their goal of supporting the NHS will help you articulate your vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or stakeholders within the NHS Supply Chain. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led continuous improvement initiatives in the past. Highlighting measurable outcomes will demonstrate your capability to drive efficiency and effectiveness in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in procurement and supply chain management within the healthcare sector. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to contribute valuable insights during your interactions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Delivery and Continuous Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Delivery and Continuous Improvement position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in continuous improvement, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive efficiency.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team and being part of the Senior Leadership Team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams and contributed to strategic goals in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect your understanding of NHS Supply Chain's mission and values. Explain why you are passionate about improving healthcare delivery and how your skills align with their objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS Supply Chain
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Head of Delivery and Continuous Improvement role. Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities, such as leading continuous improvement initiatives and managing procurement activities. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've driven capability improvements and championed excellence, as these are crucial for this position.
✨Showcase Change Management Experience
Since the role involves managing change, be ready to share your experiences with change management. Discuss how you've planned, executed, and monitored activities during times of change while maintaining performance levels.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
The ability to identify and manage stakeholders is essential. Prepare examples of how you've analyzed stakeholder expectations and developed strategies to meet them. This will demonstrate your expertise in managing relationships effectively.
