Head of Supply Chain & Partner Management (Fixed Term Contract)
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.
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