At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management in the social housing sector.
- Company: Join a leading main contractor making a difference in social housing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape supply chain strategies.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and strategic influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social housing projects while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement or supply chain, ideally in social housing.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Strategic Commercial Supply Chain Lead
Social Housing | Main Contractor Experience Essential
Are you an experienced Supply Chain or Procurement professional looking to make a strategic impact within the social housing sector?
We are seeking a
Strategic Commercial Supply Chain Lead
to drive sourcing strategy, supplier performance, commercial negotiations, and supply chain excellence across our growing Social Housing division.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading main contractor and play a key role in supporting operational delivery, work-winning activities, and long-term business growth.
The Role
As the Strategic Commercial Supply Chain Lead, you will take ownership of assigned spend categories, developing and implementing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable commercial value, reduce risk, and strengthen supplier partnerships.
Working closely with Operational, Commercial, Estimating, and Delivery teams, you will ensure the supply chain strategy aligns with business objectives while supporting the successful delivery of social housing programmes, including responsive repairs, planned maintenance, decarbonisation, retrofit, and refurbishment projects.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Supply Chain & Category Management
Develop and implement long-term category strategies and procurement roadmaps.
Analyse spend, market trends, and supplier performance to identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities.
Drive supplier consolidation strategies to maximise buying power and efficiencies.
Collaborate with operational and commercial teams to forecast demand and optimise supplier frameworks.
Monitor market conditions and emerging industry trends to mitigate risk and identify innovation opportunities.
Commercial & Strategic Sourcing
Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFIs, PQQs, RFPs, and tender processes.
Negotiate high-value framework agreements, pricing structures, rebates, and service level agreements.
Partner with Estimating, Commercial, and Operations teams to support work-winning and project delivery objectives.
Ensure all procurement activity complies with governance, policy, and regulatory requirements.
Deliver measurable savings and commercial improvements across the supply chain.
Supplier Relationship Management
Manage supplier onboarding, compliance, and performance processes.
Establish and monitor supplier KPIs, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
Conduct supplier reviews and performance management meetings.
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including financial stability, capacity, material availability, and single-source dependencies.
Build strategic partnerships that drive innovation, sustainability, and long-term value.
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience
Proven experience within a
Main Contractor environment .
Strong background in
Social Housing , including planned maintenance, repairs, refurbishment, retrofit, decarbonisation, or asset investment programmes.
Minimum 5 years' experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain leadership.
Demonstrable track record of delivering significant cost savings and commercial value.
Experience managing supplier frameworks, commercial negotiations, and performance improvement programmes.
Skills & Knowledge
Excellent commercial acumen with a strong focus on value creation and cost optimisation.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, trends, and market intelligence.
Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
Strong understanding of procurement governance, contract management, and risk mitigation.
Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic change.
Qualifications
Degree-level qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business, Commercial Management, or a related discipline preferred.
Professional procurement qualifications (CIPS or equivalent) desirable but not essential.
Full UK Driving Licence.
What Success Looks Like
Delivering measurable cost savings across key spend categories.
Improving supplier performance and framework utilisation.
Reducing supply chain and commercial risk.
Building strong, strategic supplier partnerships.
Supporting operational delivery and business growth through a high-performing supply chain.
If you're a commercially focused procurement professional with
social housing and main contractor experience , we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help shape a best-in-class supply chain strategy that delivers value, quality, and long-term success.
TPBN1_UKTJ
Strategic & Commercial Supply Chain Lead in Maidstone employer: United Infrastructure Ltd
United Infrastructure is an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and benefits package alongside ample career progression opportunities within a supportive and collaborative work environment. As a Major Works Supervisor, you will play a vital role in delivering impactful projects that enhance homes and communities, while benefiting from ongoing training and professional development to further your career in the dynamic infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic & Commercial Supply Chain Lead in Maidstone
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like United Infrastructure Ltd and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at United Infrastructure Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like United Infrastructure Ltd keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic & Commercial Supply Chain Lead in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to United Infrastructure Ltd:This is your chance to really connect with the team at United Infrastructure Ltd. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Infrastructure Ltd
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with United Infrastructure Ltd.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show United Infrastructure Ltd that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at United Infrastructure Ltd. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
