At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of supply chain and procurement for a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovation and strategic growth.
- Benefits: Negotiable pay, potential for permanent role, and impactful leadership experience.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by modernising sourcing and building strategic supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sourcing, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop talent pipelines and drive continuous improvement in a high-stakes environment.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Gloucestershire
Pay: Negotiable
Term: 9 months (conversion to perm likely)
BPSS Clearance required
Job Summary: The Sourcing Transformation Leader is responsible for stabilising, modernising and transforming our client’s supply chain and procurement function. This executive role reports directly into the CEO and will be responsible for repairing structural weaknesses in sourcing, strengthening operational reliability and building strategic advantage through the development of new suppliers and partnerships. Delivering cost reduction, supplier management, and digital adoption (AI/automation) to ensure business success and growth. This is a high-impact blend of strategic leadership combined with direct operational intervention in a complex, risk-sensitive manufacturing environment – where quality and compliance are paramount.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and execute an end-to-end supply chain reset for the full life cycle of products, focused on mission-critical parts.
- Ensure a robust and competitive supplier base is in place to support both existing Original Equipment and Services products, as well as the next generation of products.
- Establish a robust Supplier Relationship Management process, including scorecards, performance review cadences, joint risk mitigations etc.
- Assess supplier capabilities, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing development plans.
- Build a high-performance, lean culture grounded in respect, lean principles, and structured problem solving, driving productivity, standard work, and continuous improvement across the team and supplier base.
- Develop talent pipelines for critical roles and manage single points of failure through succession planning and other talent strategies.
- Ensure strong adherence to safety, quality, and compliance for this safety-critical product used in civil and military applications.
- Demonstrate commercial expertise in negotiating and managing contracts with suppliers.
Qualifications: Experienced sourcing professional with relevant education and significant experience in purchasing (commercial and/or military contracts), order fulfillment, and commercial negotiations. Proven transformational leadership, with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Strong understanding of Supply Chain processes and demonstrated ability to work effectively across a matrix organisation. Experience in lean and continuous improvement.
Preferred Skills: Strong coaching expertise and success in collaborating across the business functions and global teams. Strong business acumen and customer-focused mindset.
Sourcing Lead employer: Undisclosed
Contact Detail:
Undisclosed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Sourcing Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain practices. We recommend practising your answers to common questions, especially around transformational leadership and supplier management. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Sourcing Transformation Leader position!
We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sourcing Lead role. Highlight your experience in supply chain management and transformational leadership, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention your understanding of lean principles and continuous improvement, and how you can bring that to our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you've delivered cost reductions or improved supplier performance in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Undisclosed
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's supply chain processes. Understand their current challenges and think about how you can bring innovative solutions to the table. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in transforming their sourcing function.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Sourcing Transformation Leader, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlight your ability to build high-performance cultures and how you’ve implemented lean principles in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to repair structural weaknesses or manage supplier relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with contract negotiations and supplier management. Share specific instances where your commercial expertise led to cost reductions or improved supplier performance. This will highlight your capability to drive business success and growth.