Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:
Rail & Transportation
Civils & Construction
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Technology & Cyber Security Logistics & Intermodal Freight Defence
Our search directors, search consultants and in-house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest level of organisational leadership and management. Our success is based upon a blend of trust-driven relationships, robust market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the best possible alignment of organisational need with experience and personal ambition.
Working with business leaders on bespoke assignments for over a decade, we understand exactly what our customers expect from an executive search and talent advisory service – whether there is a pressing business need for an executive interim or a long-term permanent appointment. Ford & Stanley Executive Search provide the solution.
We have been exclusively appointed on a retained search for a Head of Supply Chain.
Below you will find a Candidate Opportunity Brief developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Head of Executive Search, Senior Consultant, and the Operations Director of the client organisation. This brief is designed to give candidates deeper insight into the opportunity, the challenges the role presents, and the details behind the job specification.
Client Opportunity Statements
“We have embarked upon a journey of modernisation to ensure that we remain head and shoulders above our competition over the coming years, transitioning from full vehicle overhaul to specialising in our OEM sub-system capability. A critical part of this journey is hiring a Supply Chain Leader who can not only build relationships internally but can also be client-facing with a relationship-led approach, understanding what’s keeping our clients awake at night. It is vital that we secure a Leader who can lead from the front, defining and implementing Supply Chain excellence.”
“It’s of paramount importance that our new leader recognises the difference between fixing supply chain problems and leading the team. We have a highly capable supply chain team that needs mentoring, developing and clear direction.”
“In addition to our business-wide objectives that will see us continue to grow as an organisation, there is a targeted initiative within the function to ensure we develop and grow our supply chain to de-risk our business and strengthen relationships with key partners. This hire will be pivotal in the success of that.”
Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:
Many of the Supply Chain teams are currently operating within siloed functions that have evolved over time through organisational growth and acquisition. Harmonising these teams and processes and ensuring consistency will be a key challenge.
Some resistance to change is expected as the business continues its transformation journey. It will take a credible and charismatic leader to unify all areas of the team with a common goal.
The organisation has an incredibly diverse supply chain, including OEMs, small businesses and even competitors. The incoming Head of Supply Chain will need to be a strong relationship builder to manage risks effectively.
Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:
Develop a robust plan for the evolution of the supply chain.
Complete a thorough harmonisation of supply chain processes between multiple sites and teams.
Ensure that the supply chain function evolves into a team with the right balance between adopting group-level protocols and implementing processes that make sense for the specific business unit.
Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)
Proven ability leading a Supply Chain function from a senior position.
Demonstrable track record operating within a business with a similarly sized supply chain (approx. 750 suppliers).
Experience operating within an organisation with a large (~£100m) supplier spend.
Proven ability within an industrial, manufacturing or high-integrity environment.
Able to articulate experience in both a strategic and hands-on manner.
Desirable: Proven ability to lead transformation