Head of Supply Chain Systems

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional body in procurement is seeking a Head of Supply Chain Systems to shape the future of procurement data management. This hybrid role involves developing a systems strategy, leading category management, driving supplier partnerships, and empowering teams to enhance performance across the organization. Ideal candidates possess strong analytical and negotiation skills and a degree in Procurement or Supply Chain Management. Competitive salary, extensive benefits, and career progression opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary & bonus

Flexible working

Car Allowance / Company Car

Extensive corporate benefits including Private Medical

Health and Wellness programme

26 days holidays + bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven track record in procurement systems and category management.
• Experience leading complex negotiations and coaching professional teams.
• A history of adopting new technologies to improve performance.

Responsibilities

• Set the systems strategy and develop a roadmap for supply chain systems.
• Own the Design Consulting category and create aligned strategies.
• Negotiate framework agreements and leverage Group buying power.
• Oversee supplier onboarding and maintain compliance of systems.
• Manage Procurement Data, Reporting and Compliance teams.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Collaborative leadership

Communication

Education

HND/degree in Procurement or Supply Chain Management

Job description

The Vacancy

Head of Supply Chain Systems

Location: National (hybrid), with travel to our London offices and project sites

The opportunity

As Head of Supply Chain Systems, you'll shape the future of how Wates manages procurement data, compliance and supplier performance. You'll lead the development of our supply chain systems strategy, integrate performance management processes across the Group, and horizon-scan for innovations that improve productivity and unlock value. This is a national role with real impact-industrialising category management and spend aggregation across Wates Group companies.

What you’ll do

• Set the systems strategy. Develop and deliver a roadmap for supply chain systems, monitoring market trends and incorporating innovations into our plans.
• Lead category excellence. Own the Design Consulting category, creating strategies aligned with business needs and SQDCPS measures (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Sustainability).
• Drive supplier partnerships. Negotiate framework agreements, leverage Group buying power, and embed lessons learned into standards and specifications.
• Embed performance management. Oversee supplier onboarding and desktop capability assessments, lead Causeway implementation, and maintain compliance and integrity of systems.
• Lead and empower teams. Manage the Procurement Data, Reporting and Compliance teams, develop the Supply Chain portal, and deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and utility.

About you

You're a collaborative leader who combines strategic vision with hands‑on delivery. You challenge the status quo constructively, win hearts and minds, and turn complex data into clear actions.

You’ll bring

• HND/degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management or Construction Management (or equivalent experience) and MCIPS.
• A proven track record in procurement systems and category management.
• Experience leading complex negotiations and coaching professional teams.
• Strong analytical skills and objective, clear communication.
• A history of adopting new technologies to improve performance.

What we offer

• Competitive salary & bonus
• Flexible working
• Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)
• Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
• Extensive corporate benefits including Private Medical, Pension 8% employers' contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more...
• Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
• Industry leading family leave benefits to include 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity.

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre‑employment checks.

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK's leading family‑owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, 'reimagining places for people to thrive' and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in, and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.

Awards

• BEST PROJECT
• Inside Housing Development Awards – WINNER
• 2022 Construction News Awards – WINNER
• Investors in People 2022 – GOLD AWARD
• Considerate Constructors Schemes (CCS) National Site Awards – GOLD AWARD
• Top 50 Employers for Women 2022 – TOP 50 EMPLOYERS
• 2022 Working Families Best Practice Awards – WINNER