The Supply Chain Development Lead is responsible for shaping and managing strategic engagement between the organisation and its supply chain, ensuring value for money, effective risk management, and the delivery of robust commercial strategies. The role plays a key part in developing long‑term supply chain capability, driving continuous improvement, and embedding government standards and industry best practice across all commercial activities.
As a member of the Process, Standards, Systems & Reporting management team, the role holder contributes to the development, governance, and oversight of commercial standards, ensuring consistent and effective commercial delivery across the organisation.
Strategic Supply Chain Leadership
- Design, develop, and implement supply chain strategies aligned with company policies, standards, legislation, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead the development of the overarching Supply Chain Strategy and Acquisition Strategy to provide long‑term visibility of procurement needs.
- Identify strategic suppliers and ensure appropriate contingency and business continuity plans are in place.
Policy Implementation & Governance
- Lead the commercial implementation of government policy initiatives, including Sustainability, Social Value, Carbon Net Zero, and Modern Slavery.
- Drive the strategic integration of sustainability and social value across the supply chain.
- Ensure supply chain practices reflect government standards and industry best practice.
Risk Management & Resilience
- Design and implement effective supply chain risk management processes.
- Assess supply chain resilience and coordinate action plans to address identified risks.
- Analyse supply chain data, resolve issues, and develop alternative plans where required.
Performance, Value & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve supply chain effectiveness and add value across the network.
- Drive supply chain optimisation and process improvement initiatives.
- Promote a “Right First Time” culture across all supply chain functions.
Supplier Engagement & Relationship Management
- Manage all aspects of supplier engagement, ensuring clear communication channels and feedback mechanisms.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships within the supply chain network.
- Provide expert market analysis and procurement insights to support informed decision‑making.
Capability Development
- Develop the skills and capability of the team in supply chain best practice, market knowledge, and analytics.
- Support continuous improvement and knowledge‑sharing across the commercial function.