Go back Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Director of Supply Chain
The closing date is 27 July 2025
Are you a senior Supply Chain Leader looking for an opportunity to join one of the largest Supply Chain functions in the NHS. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will have a key role in the development and implementation of the new Procurement and Supply Chain operating model and Patient Centric Supply Chain strategy across Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation and the 'Smart Together' Shared Service*.
Our Transformation Programme is well underway and we are now seeking a forward-thinking, innovative strategic supply chain expert to lead our large, complex supply chain function. The service includes, multiple site Materials Management, Inventory Management, and Receipt and Distribution functions. Offsite, there are warehousing and consolidation capabilities as well as transport functions and an opportunity to consider further integrated logistics.
Main duties of the job
Reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer, you will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team, engaging with multi-functional teams across Guy's and St Thomas', as well as with shared service members. From the most senior clinical and non-clinical colleagues through to providing support and direction to our up and coming colleagues, you will be adept at working across all levels. You will also work closely with external stakeholders, such as, suppliers, professional associations, advisory boards, NHS England and other NHS organisations and partners to provide a forward-thinking, resilient and cohesive supply chain service that is integral to supporting the Trusts' to deliver patient care.
The Director of Supply Chain is the most senior position within the Supply Chain function, leading a team of c.120 individuals to deliver on our ambition of a Patient Centric Supply Chain to all areas of GSTT and the Shared Service. Providing specialist, expert support to enable the clinicians and front-line staff to deliver the highest possible quality of patient care.
You will strive to deliver best practice, utilising advancements in technology, data and information, unpinned by the rigour of clearly documented processes and procedures, including, the department Business Continuity Plan, and the Supply Resilience Strategy. You will lead on the optimisation of our Patient Centric Supply Chain strategy and ensure we operate a culture of continuous improvement and high standards.
About us
* Be part of an inclusive department, ambitious team. Access to a great annual leave offer, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
* Access to individual development opportunities and mentorship for career progression.
* Access to a great salary and an NHS pension.
* Contribute directly to our transformation journey, influencing the future of procurement and supply chain operations.
We are looking for someone who has a passion for building trust and accountability within a complex team to ensure the growth and development of our staff and who will positively contribute to the team and the wider Shared Service. You will have excellent communication skills and have the ability to systematically lead complex strategic and operational projects from commencement through to successful completion. You will be a self-starter with an ability to effectively manage you own workload to meet the needs of the shared service. We are looking for someone with a can-do, growth mindset who is able to work in a complex and stimulating environment. You will be an integral part of a high performing Senior Leadership Team who will transform the service in the coming years.
Job responsibilities
A full Job Description and Personal Specification can also be downloaded.
Professional Leadership and Direction
* To lead, manage and develop a highly complex and extensive operational Supply Chain service across all GSTT and Shared Service sites, on-site, this includes Materials Management, Stock Management and Receipt and Distribution functions, and, off-site the warehousing and transport function.
* To lead with compassionate leadership that promotes care and growth of team members, building trust and ensuring accountability is present throughout a multidisciplinary workforce.
* To communicate effectively with all staff levels, from the senior members of the Trust Board to junior staff in support functions, undertake presentations to staff groups and managers and deal with the wider business community, other NHS Trusts and members of the public.
* Create strategic alliances and partnerships with external organisations to enhance the delivery of services.
* Promote the Trust through attendance at relevant professional Supply Chain forums, working groups, and industry advisory boards.
* Provide pro-active direction and leadership to the GSTTs Procurement Shared Service Trust Boards regarding all supply chain matters including guidance on strategies for enhancing opportunities to achieve value for money and to improve the performance of the service.
* To be visible and proactive in supporting front line staff, maintaining clinical service credibility and commanding respect of the professional and managerial workforce.
* Manage highly complex, sensitive situations that require a high level of decision making and be able to command the authority and respect of the clinical and managerial workforce.
* Provide professional leadership as appropriate across GSTTs Procurement Shared Service both for local services and regional networks across London and the South East.
* Building trust-based supportive relationships with stakeholders across and beyond the Trust and our Shared Service Partners. Developing and agreeing SLA and KPIs with all customer areas aligning with organisational aims of providing high quality patient care.
* The development and implementation of supply chain policy, processes and procedures to ensure good practice, efficient and effective workflows, utilising SMART operational metrics and performance reporting, including governance, compliance and assurance.
* To professionalise the supply chain teams, fostering a positive, customer-focused team culture and growth mindset.
* Development and maintenance of supply chain risk assessment, management and mitigation approach, enhancing resilience and performance.
* Leads the development and management of the supply chain functions business continuity and disaster recovery plan and procedures, ensuring regular knowledge sharing and plan testing is carried out.
* To explore and exploit opportunities for collaborative working internally and externally, and pro-actively network with key current and future suppliers, professional bodies and local, regional and national supply chain colleagues.
* Manages a complex inbound supply chain, including a large off-site consolidation centre to ensure optimised and efficient use of these assets to support in-hospital logistics and patient care.
* Your e-mail address is important to us - We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis.
Please apply for this post by clicking "Apply Online Now."
Person Specification
Knowledge/Qualifications
* Educated to a higher level / post graduate / MBA or equivalent relevant experience.
* In-depth knowledge of public sector procurement and supply chain legislation
* Highly developed specialist in Supply Chain & Warehousing Operations.
* Membership of a professional body such as CIPs or CILT.
* Relevant project management experience and / or Qualification, such as, Prince 2.
* Negotiation training and / or equivalent qualification.
Experience
* Substantive experience in leading Supply Chain teams.
* Significant previous experience of project management within a large, complex, multi-disciplinary organisation.
* Experience in being responsible for financial resources including budgeting for a major area, budget setting and monitoring.
* Demonstrable staff management and development experience.
* Significant experience of working in senior role responsible for system management and improvement in Procurement and Supply Chain environment
* Specific NHS and public sector experience.
* In-depth knowledge of all Procurement & Supply Chain systems and relevant interfaces, such as, WMS.
Skills
* Advanced computer literacy, including Advanced Excel with ability to manipulate complex data.
* Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills with the ability to forge effective professional relationships. with key stakeholders.
* Problem solving and highly developed analytical skills and the ability to work on a number of related projects simultaneously
* Formulate long term strategic plans, involving uncertainty, impact on organisation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
£113,557 to £129,443 a yearper annum incl. HCA
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