Head of Supplier Partnerships and Contracting - UK

Head of Supplier Partnerships and Contracting

c£85K + dependent on experience

Glasgow, UK (hybrid)

Behind every unforgettable Macs Adventure is an incredible network of local partners making the magic happen — and we’re looking for a commercially savvy relationship-builder to bring that ecosystem into the future.

As our Head of Supplier Partnerships & Contracting, you’ll lead and evolve a global network of 4,000+ suppliers, building trusted partnerships that enhance customer experiences, strengthen commercial performance, and create long-term competitive advantage. Reporting to the Travel Product Director, you’ll shape supplier strategy, secure critical supply, and lead smart commercial negotiations that support growth across our travel portfolio. This is a high-impact leadership role with the opportunity to influence how Macs Adventure scales for the future.

You’ll sit at the intersection of commercial strategy, product growth, operational excellence, and partnership development — ensuring Macs Adventure is not just a customer, but a true partner of choice. If you thrive on building relationships, spotting opportunities, driving performance, and turning complexity into scalable success, this could be your next adventure!

About Macs Adventure

We’re a scaling adventure tour operator on a mission to be the leading global brand in self-guided, active travel.

Welcoming over 40,000 customers on walking and cycling trips to destinations around the world, we employ over 150 people across the UK, US and Germany who share our purpose to create #macsmoments by leading, advocating & enabling self-guided, active travel as a positive force for people and planet.

In November 2024, we proudly achieved B Corp certification, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward sustainable, values-driven growth.

Our Culture

We’re an ambitious, forward-thinking business with a bold vision for the future, and our culture reflects these ambitions. We’re an action-oriented, fast-paced organisation and we like to have fun along the way. We’re looking for people who can grow with Macs and grow with us on our journey to become the world’s leading active travel company. It’s not the easy route and we’re looking for people who enjoy challenges, love learning, want to make an impact and align with our core values:

• Love the journey: A Macs trip is all about the journey, not the destination. We are all believers in Macs’ unique brand of self-guided, active travel and shout about it. As more travellers convert to the Macs Way, we accept our business will grow and change. We welcome new connections, and embrace to new opportunities. Carpe diem!

• Take a different path: We’re not different for different’s sake; but we won’t succeed if we’re just the same as everyone else. We devise creative solutions to problems, find new ways of doing things, and trust colleagues who are doing so too. We are brave and feel empowered to take the initiative. We ask ourselves: is what I’m doing authentically Macs?

• Tread thoughtfully: We are considerate, empathetic and try to put ourselves in our customers’, suppliers’ and each other’s shoes. We support local, and find ways of having less negative impact on the planet. We find ways of having positive impact on people and communities. We are fair, and we do the right thing.

• Go the extra mile: We know that creating a perfect #MacsMoment involves going that bit further. We imagine the best feedback we can get and set out to earn it. We take ownership and accountability – it’s yours, not someone else’s, problem. We step up and help our team mates when they need us.

What you’ll do;

• Shape and lead our global supplier strategy, building a balanced, high-performing network of partners that supports growth, quality, and operational resilience

• Lead commercial negotiations and contracting, driving margin improvement while building strong, long-term supplier relationships

• Develop strategic partnerships that unlock differentiated customer experiences, innovation, and preferential access to supply

• Create and embed supplier performance frameworks, ensuring consistently high standards across quality, delivery, and customer experience

• Build scalable supplier onboarding, contracting, and management processes that support future growth

• Partner cross-functionally with Product, Merchandising, Operations, Finance, and Technology to align supplier capability with business priorities

• Improve supplier data, systems, and reporting to drive smarter commercial decision-making

• Lead and grow a high-performing supplier partnerships team, embedding a commercially focused, partnership-first culture

• Manage supplier risk, compliance, and resilience to support sustainable, reliable operations

• Act as a key driver of transformation, helping build a world-class supplier partnership function from the ground up

What you’ll bring;

• Significant background in supplier management, sourcing, contracting, or partnerships  

• Success at long term relationship building across large supplier base of small independent suppliers 

• Proven track record of delivering cost optimisation and commercial performance  

• Experience designing and implementing supplier management frameworks  

• Strong commercial and financial acumen (cost, margin, negotiation)  

• Expertise operating in cross-functional environments (Product, Ops, Finance, Tech)  

• Track record of building or scaling teams and capabilities  

• Experience leading change or transformation initiatives 

Not essential, it would be a bonus if you have experience in;

• Tour operations, or experience-led products  

• Scale-up or high-growth environments  

• Technology or systems transformation  

• Building supplier ecosystems across multiple geographies 

Some candidates may see this list and feel discouraged because they don’t match all the requirements. If this is your ideal job please apply anyway, there’s a good chance you’re more wonderful than you think you are.

You could belong here;

To deliver adventures for more than 40,000 customers we need to build a company that’s reflective of their diversity. We’re building an inclusive workplace that promotes and values difference, where everyone, from any background, can do their best work and be proud to belong.

What we’ll offer

As well as your salary;

• ANNUAL LEAVE: We want you to be able to take holidays that matter to you, so 8 public holidays are included in your annual leave allowance of 33 days, which increases to 35 days after 5 years’ service.

• BIRTHDAY BOOSTER: An extra day off on your birthday!

• PENSION: We offer a contributory pension scheme.

• DISCOUNTS: You are eligible for great discounts on Macs Adventure trips!

• TRAVEL INSURANCE: We provide you and your spouse/partner/children with annual worldwide travel insurance.

• FLEXIBLE WORKING: A flexible work culture - you’ll be able to work from home as well as coming into our hub office in Glasgow 3 days per week to collaborate with colleagues.

• GETTING TOGETHER: Regular team, management and leadership meetings and retreats.

• CULTURE: An innovative, fast growth, international and solution focused culture, where we work hard to embed our values across the business.

• L&D: We support your self-guided learning journey to make the most of your strengths.

• WELLBEING. We'll support you in looking after your health and wellbeing so you can do your best work.

• TRAVEL: Occasional international travel may be required.

• IMPACT: The opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and the planet.