Head of Supply Chain Systems

Head of Supply Chain Systems Location: National (hybrid), with travel to our London offices and project sites. 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. Responsibilities 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. Qualifications 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. Benefits 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: 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: 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. Background Check 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. About 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. The Wates Group is committed to three ambitious environmental targets for 2025: Zero Waste, and Zero Carbon, from our operations and Positive Nature Enhancement. Wates is pushing to take a leading role in reducing our industry’s environmental impact. #J-18808-Ljbffr