Job Ref: THE1118
Branch: thebigword UK - Interpreting
Location: thebigword
Salary/Benefits: Up to £75,000 per annum, Hybrid Working at our Amazing Leeds Office Great Perks!
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 37.5
Posted date: 16/06/2026
Closing date: 18/07/2026
The Role Unveiled
You will lead thebigword's newly created Supply Chain function, separated from Global Operations to provide dedicated commercial ownership of the company's interpreter and translator supply chain.
This function is responsible for transforming a complex, multi-jurisdiction vendor network into a strategic commercial advantage. You will direct sourcing teams across India (~10 FTE), the UK, Netherlands, and the United States, using demand forecast outputs from our Analytics team to drive measurable improvements in cost efficiency, compliance, and supply chain quality.
The creation of this role allows Global Operations to refocus solely on service delivery against the supply chain that is modelled, planned, and executed.
To own the supply chain cost number and be personally accountable for delivering measurable, recurring savings through strategic rate management, supplier tiering, partner dependency reduction, and multi-jurisdiction compliance frameworks.
Your Role in Action
Supply Chain Cost Ownership Commercial Strategy
- Own the end-to-end supply chain cost number across interpreting and translation services globally. Be the single accountable leader for supply chain margin improvement.
- Build and implement a tiered supplier rate framework within 6 months, moving from a reactive market-led pricing approach to a structured, commercially directed model.
- Set rates proactively rather than reactively accepting market rates. Develop region-specific and language-specific pricing strategies informed by demand data.
- Drive measurable, recurring cost reductions that directly improve gross margin across the business.
Sourcing Recruitment Direction
- Direct the existing India-based sourcing team (~10 FTE) and coordinate with UK, Netherlands, and US sourcing resources, using demand forecast outputs from the Analytics team.
- Align sourcing KPIs to commercial outcomes (gross margin of new contractors, fulfilment replacement rates, cost-per-acquisition) rather than volume alone.
- Develop regional sourcing strategies that target high-value languages and geographies based on supply and demand modelling.
Partner Third-Party Dependency Reduction
- Run a structured programme to reduce TI (Telephone Interpreting) and OPI (Over-the-Phone Interpreting) partner dependency, recovering the partner uplift margin on converted volume.
- Evaluate and renegotiate third-party and LSP subcontractor arrangements to improve margin retention
Compliance Risk Management
- Operationalise the IR35 (UK), NL DBA (Netherlands), and US Independent Contractor compliance frameworks, with support from the in-house legal team.
- Mitigate material compliance liability.
- Ensure all supply chain governance controls are in place and maturing month-on-month.
Data-Driven Performance Management
- Use Analytics team outputs (supply vs. demand models, language-level performance data, cost-per-minute trends) to drive evidence-based decisions on rates, capacity, and supplier performance.
- Monitor and report on key supply chain KPIs including: blended buy rate, fulfilment rate, onboarding cycle time, interpreter and translator utilisation, and gross margin by language and region.
Governance Stakeholder Management
- Present supply chain performance, risks, and financial impact at the Exec Supply Chain Governance Review alongside the CEO, CFO, and COO.
- Provide clear, decision-ready updates on savings delivery, capacity readiness, and compliance posture.
The Perfect Match: Your Skills Talents
Essential
- Significant experience in supply chain management, procurement, or vendor management at a senior or director level
- Proven track record of delivering measurable cost reduction in a services-based supply chain (not just goods or logistics)
- Experience managing and directing geographically dispersed teams across multiple countries
- Strong commercial acumen: rate negotiation, margin analysis, supplier tiering, and total cost of ownership modelling
- Data-literate: able to interpret demand forecasts, performance dashboards, and financial models to drive decisions
- Experience building supplier rate frameworks and structured cost-reduction programmes
- Excellent stakeholder management skills — able to present to board level with clarity and authority
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop teams
Desirable
- Experience in language services, interpreting, translation, or professional services outsourcing
- Understanding of the UK public sector procurement landscape (e.g., MOJ, police, NHS frameworks)
- Knowledge of IR35, NL DBA, and US independent contractor classification regulations
- MCIPS, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain or procurement qualification
- Experience with workforce compliance frameworks for freelance or contractor-based supply chains
- Familiarity with AI-enabled workflow optimisation and automation in supply chain contexts
- Experience in a private-equity-backed or high-growth SME environment
Perks That Make You Smile!
See all of our amazing perks, here: https://careers.thebigword.com/pages/perks-uk
We are eradicating the final barrier of global communication!
At thebigword, we specialise in language solutions, translating over 1 billion words annually, support more than 250 languages and handle millions of interpreting minutes each year. As one of the largest language service providers globally, we utilise the greatest minds and boundary shattering technology to deliver phenomenal quality at scale to both our clients and linguist network. We’re proud that our services support thousands of people every single day, from those using the National Health Service to global brands across the world such as google, Honda, and Unilever.
Joining our team is not just a career, it’s being part of something much bigger!
Equal Opportunities:
At thebigword, we prioritise the physical and mental health of our global teams. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, and are proud to have signed the Mental Health at Work Commitment. Should you require reasonable adjustments for your interview or subsequent employment, please notify our team. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams, celebrating differences and encouraging everyone to join us and be themselves at work. To find out more about our dedication to Equality, Diversity Inclusion, and our EDI Committee, click here: https://careers.thebigword.com/pages/our-commitment
