At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape supply chain strategies for a critical defence infrastructure portfolio.
- Company: Join VIVO, a leader in defence infrastructure with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a senior leadership salary, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Contract: 9‑month fixed‑term contract with potential extension.
Location: Hybrid working with travel across the United Kingdom.
Benefits: Senior leadership salary and benefits package reflective of the scope and impact of the role.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute supply chain leader to shape and lead our supply chain, procurement and supplier management capability across one of the UK’s most critical defence infrastructure portfolios. This is a high‑impact leadership opportunity within a complex operational environment, focused on strengthening supplier performance, procurement governance, commercial partnerships and operational resilience across a national estate portfolio.
Working closely with operational, commercial, finance and shareholder stakeholders, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring VIVO maintains a compliant, scalable and high‑performing supply chain capable of supporting current operational delivery and future business priorities.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain Leadership
- Define and lead VIVO’s procurement and supplier management strategy aligned to operational priorities, commercial objectives and shareholder expectations.
- Identify sourcing opportunities, supplier optimisation initiatives and commercial improvements that enhance operational performance and value.
- Develop category strategies and procurement plans that support cost efficiency, resilience and sustainable procurement outcomes.
- Develop and maintain a scalable supplier network capable of supporting operational demand.
- Supplier Performance & Operational Partnering
- Partner closely with operational, commercial and finance stakeholders to support effective supplier management and operational delivery.
- Build strong supplier relationships while maintaining clear governance, accountability and performance expectations.
- Lead supplier review meetings and performance improvement activity to drive service quality, efficiency and customer outcomes.
- Bring new ideas, methodologies and market insight to operational teams to improve supplier performance and supply chain effectiveness.
- Facilitate supplier engagement and market engagement activity to strengthen VIVO’s supply chain network.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, balancing operational priorities, commercial performance and governance requirements.
- Governance, Risk & Commercial Management
- Define and improve procurement governance processes covering onboarding, compliance, assurance and supplier management.
- Ensure supplier activity operates in line with VIVO governance, delegated authorities and regulatory requirements.
- Lead supplier assurance and audit processes across commercial, operational, security, safety and compliance risks.
- Lead supplier negotiations, contract development and tendering activity to ensure competitiveness and value for money.
- Support supply chain savings targets and wider commercial efficiency objectives.
- Systems, Process & Continuous Improvement
- Support the development and improvement of procurement systems, reporting and e‑tendering platforms.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supplier governance and operational efficiency.
- Develop supplier reporting and performance insight capabilities that support informed decision‑making.
- Leadership
- Lead and further develop VIVO’s supply chain and supplier management capability.
- Coach and support a high‑performing team within a collaborative and commercially focused environment.
- Develop strong partnerships across operations, commercial, finance, HSEQ and shareholder stakeholders.
- Support the wider business in embedding consistent procurement practices, governance standards and continuous improvement methodologies.
About You
We are looking for a commercially minded and operationally credible supply chain leader who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will bring experience leading procurement, supply chain or supplier management functions within large, complex operational environments and will be comfortable influencing both internal stakeholders and external supplier networks.
Proven experience leading procurement, supply chain or supplier management functions within complex operational organisations.
Experience developing supplier governance, assurance and performance management frameworks.
Strong commercial and negotiation capability, with experience managing complex supplier agreements and relationships.
Strong business partnering and stakeholder influencing capability across operational, commercial and shareholder environments.
Experience driving supplier performance improvement, operational efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience leading and developing teams within procurement, supply chain or commercial functions.
Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret supplier, commercial and operational data to support decision‑making.
Ability to balance collaborative supplier relationships with robust governance and performance expectations.
Strong organisational capability and sound commercial judgement within fast‑paced operational environments.
Experience within Facilities Management, Construction, Infrastructure, Defence or similarly regulated sectors would be highly advantageous.
MCIPS qualification, or progress towards professional procurement accreditation, would be beneficial.
EEO & Diversity Statement
At VIVO we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. We will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Head of Supply Chain and Partnership Management (FTC) employer: VIVO Defence Services
VIVO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on strategic procurement and supply chain leadership, employees benefit from a senior leadership salary and a comprehensive benefits package, while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working and opportunities for travel across the UK. The company fosters a collaborative culture, encouraging innovative thinking and strong partnerships, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and impactful careers in the defence infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain and Partnership Management (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your leadership and negotiation skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements in supply chain management. Include case studies or metrics that demonstrate your impact on supplier performance and operational efficiency. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain and Partnership Management (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in supply chain leadership and procurement. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve improved supplier performance or driven operational efficiencies in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence Services
✨Know Your Supply Chain Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in supply chain management, especially within defence infrastructure. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with VIVO's goals, particularly around supplier performance and operational resilience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in complex environments. Think about times when you’ve driven supplier performance improvements or led procurement strategies that made a real impact.
✨Understand the Governance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with procurement governance processes and compliance requirements relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented effective governance frameworks in past roles and how you can ensure VIVO meets its regulatory obligations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built strong relationships with various stakeholders in previous positions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve influenced internal and external partners to achieve common goals, especially in high-stakes environments.
