Role: Supply Chain Lead
Sector: Infrastructure & Highway Operations
Location: Derby (with Hybrid working options)
Seniority: Lead / Management Level
The Opportunity
We are seeking a strategic and operationally-minded Supply Chain Lead to join our team in Derby. In this pivotal role, you will lead procurement and provider management for our Infrastructure Operations division. You will be the architect of a resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective supply chain, ensuring that our front-line delivery teams have the materials, plant, and labor required to maintain and improve critical network assets across the region.
This role focuses on risk mitigation, supplier performance, and the seamless execution of commercial strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Lead and mentor the supply chain team to ensure the compliant delivery of all construction and maintenance tasks.
- Procurement Oversight: Take lead responsibility for optimizing procurement routes for materials, services, and plant, ensuring consistent access for operational teams.
- Performance Management: Develop robust supplier relationship frameworks. You will establish KPIs, conduct regular performance reviews, and drive supplier development plans to ensure maximum value for money.
- Contractual Governance: Oversee the practical application of "call-off" processes and manage high-value contracts to ensure full compliance with financial regulations and organizational obligations.
- Risk & Resilience: Identify and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. You will develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply for critical resources.
- Commercial Insight: Analyze market trends and cost data to identify opportunities for innovation, waste reduction, and logistical efficiency.
- Expert Advice: Act as a subject matter expert on procurement regulations and best practices, providing guidance to senior stakeholders and cross-functional partners.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experienced Leader: Proven track record of managing supply chain teams within a complex, high-volume operational environment (Highways or Construction experience is highly desirable).
- Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of procurement regulations, tendering processes, and value engineering.
- Collaborator: Ability to build strong relationships with internal Finance, Legal, and Operational teams, as well as external partners and stakeholders.
- Analytical Thinker: Comfortable using data to challenge performance, track expenditure, and drive accountability.
Compliance & Risk
- Health & Safety: Maintain strict compliance with corporate H&S policies.
- Information Security: Ensure all supply chain data is managed in accordance with modern ICT and security standards.
- Risk Management: Actively contribute to the corporate risk management framework regarding service delivery.