This is a remote position.
Head of Supply Chain Management
About the Role
Our client is seeking a strategic and driven Head of Supply Chain Management to lead and scale their global supplier and external workforce operations. This role is central to supporting their core Localisation services and their rapidly expanding Data Annotation and AI data services offerings.
You will play a critical role in shaping how our client builds, manages, and optimises their global network of suppliers, freelancers, and data annotation resources. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and is excited by the intersection of language services and AI.
What You’ll Do
Lead & Scale the Function
- Define and evolve the Supply Chain Management (SCM) operating model to support growth across Localisation and AI data services
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global team
- Align team performance with business priorities and drive accountability
Drive Capacity & Supply Strategy
- Develop a clear view of global supplier capacity and workforce capability
- Anticipate future client needs, particularly in AI data services
- Strengthen and diversify the supply base to ensure scalability and resilience
- Track KPIs and proactively address risks or gaps
Build a World-Class Supplier Network
- Lead global recruitment of suppliers across languages, services, and modalities (Translation, MTPE, Transcreation, LQA, voice-over, DTP, transcription, data annotation, etc.)
- Run targeted recruitment campaigns for key locales, verticals, and AI initiatives
- Own end-to-end onboarding, testing, and qualification processes
- Ensure all suppliers meet quality, contractual, and compliance standards
Develop Strategic Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
- Negotiate competitive rates and commercial terms
- Identify and onboard best-in-class providers across language, AI, and data services
Partner Across the Business
- Collaborate with Sales, Production, and Solutions teams to shape service offerings
- Provide supplier insights to support client proposals
- Represent SCM in client engagements and internal forums
Drive Innovation & Efficiency
- Lead automation initiatives to streamline onboarding and workflows
- Implement efficient intake processes to support Sales and Solutions needs
- Continuously improve processes to enhance scalability and reduce manual effort
Governance & Compliance
- Own supplier data, documentation, and systems
- Ensure data protection, security, and compliance standards are embedded
- Act as key stakeholder for supplier-related systems and tools
Requirements
What Our Client is Looking For
- 8+ years’ experience in localisation, language services, AI data services, or a related field
- Proven leadership experience in vendor management, supply chain, talent acquisition, or workforce operations
- Experience managing large external workforces (e.g. data annotation, BPO, or global freelance networks)
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Experience scaling onboarding processes using automation, workflow tools, or supplier platforms
- Knowledge of language services beyond translation (MTPE, LQA, transcreation, etc.)
- Familiarity with CAT tools, MT engines, and AI-assisted production tools
- Highly organised, analytical, and results-driven
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Degree in Languages, Business, Operations, Procurement, or similar (preferred)
- Additional languages are an advantage
Who You Are
- A strategic leader who can operate at both a big-picture and hands-on level
- Passionate about building scalable global operations
- Comfortable navigating complexity and driving change
- A collaborative partner who thrives cross-functionally
- Curious and forward-thinking, with an interest in AI and evolving industry trends
