At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape VIVO's supply chain and supplier management strategy for the UK military.
- Company: Join VIVO, a leader in facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical role that supports national defence infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and supply chain leadership within complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Who we are VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
What we do We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.
Contract: 9-Month Fixed Term Contract with Potential Extension
Location: Hybrid Working with Travel Across the UK
Benefits: Senior Leadership Salary and Benefits Package Reflective of the Scope and Impact of the Role
VIVO is 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.
The Opportunity As Head of Supply Chain & Partner Management, you will lead VIVO's procurement and supplier management strategy, ensuring the organisation has a resilient and commercially effective supply chain aligned to operational requirements, governance expectations and customer outcomes. Success in this role will depend as much on stakeholder engagement, supplier influence and operational partnering as it will on procurement expertise. You will work closely with operational teams and suppliers to improve performance, strengthen collaboration and introduce new approaches that improve delivery, value and operational resilience across the business. This role combines strategic supply chain leadership, operational business partnering, people leadership and commercial influence within a highly visible and business-critical function.
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. You will likely bring:
- 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.
At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. 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) in Birmingham employer: VIVO Defence
VIVO is an exceptional employer that prioritises its employees' growth and well-being, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on innovation and operational excellence, VIVO provides opportunities for professional development within the critical defence infrastructure sector, all while embracing flexible hybrid working arrangements across the UK. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and benefits package, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain and Partnership Management (FTC) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain and facilities management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching VIVO’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their core values of being open, caring, agile, and collaborative. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in procurement and supplier management can directly benefit VIVO. Highlight specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and improve operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the VIVO team. Make sure to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain and Partnership Management (FTC) in Birmingham
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 our core values of being open, caring, agile, and collaborative.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve improved supplier performance or driven operational efficiencies. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can engage with stakeholders and suppliers effectively, so a bit of your unique style can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at VIVO!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into VIVO's operations and values. Understand their commitment to customer service and how they embody their core values: open, caring, agile, and collaborative. This knowledge will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Supply Chain, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational delivery skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or improved supplier performance. Be ready to discuss how you can bring new ideas to enhance VIVO's supply chain.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
VIVO emphasises collaboration across various departments. Think of instances where you've effectively partnered with different stakeholders, such as finance or operations, to achieve common goals. Highlight your ability to influence and build strong relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Given the importance of compliance and governance in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with procurement governance processes. Have examples ready that illustrate how you've managed supplier agreements and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements in previous roles.
