Senior Vendor Manager

Job description

Weare really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group wereofficially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth yearrunning.

We’re on a missionto give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance! We aretrailing the four day working week, get paid 100% for80%!

Jobtitle: Senior VendorManager

Location: Bolton

Salary: upto £50,000

Hours: 9-5Monday-Friday

UK applicants only.This role does not offer sponsorship.

JOBPURPOSE:

TheVendor Manager is responsible for managing relationships withexternal IT suppliers and vendors to ensure the delivery ofhigh-quality products and services that align with theorganisation’s strategic goals. This role involves overseeing theprocurement process, negotiating contracts, and monitoring supplierperformance to ensure compliance with service level agreements(SLAs) and quality standards. The IT Supplier Manager willcollaborate closely with internal stakeholders to identify needs,facilitate effective communication, and drive continuousimprovement in supplier performance. By fostering strongpartnerships with suppliers and ensuring that IT services meetoperational requirements, the IT Supplier Manager will contributeto the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation’sIT operations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop and maintain strongrelationships with IT suppliers, ensuring effective communicationand collaboration to meet organisationalneeds.

• Negotiate contractsand service level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers to ensurefavourable terms and conditions, and monitor compliance withcontractual obligations.

• Track and evaluate supplier performance againstestablished metrics and SLAs, addressing any issues ornon-compliance in a timely manner.

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for ITproducts and services, including needs assessment, supplierselection, and purchase order management.

• Identify and mitigate risks associated withsupplier relationships and procurement processes, ensuring thatcontingency plans are in place.

• Monitor and control IT supplier-relatedexpenditures, identifying opportunities for cost savings andefficiency improvements.

• Work closely with internal teams to understandtheir IT needs, ensuring that supplier offerings align withbusiness requirements.

• Conduct market research to identify potentialsuppliers and evaluate their capabilities, ensuring alignment withthe organisation’s strategic objectives.

• Drive initiatives for continuous improvement insupplier performance and procurement processes, seekingopportunities to enhance service delivery andefficiency.

• Prepare regularreports on supplier performance, procurement activities, and markettrends, providing insights to inform decision-making at theexecutive level.

EXPERIENCE &QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential Experience andQualifications:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience insupplier/vendor management, procurement, or contract managementwithin the IT sector.

• Proven track record of managing vendorrelationships and negotiating contracts.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of ITprocurement processes and supplier performancemetrics.

• Familiarity withIT products and services, including hardware, software, and cloudsolutions.

Analytical Skills:

• Excellent analytical andproblem-solving skills, with the ability to assess supplierperformance and identify areas forimprovement.

Communication Skills:

• Strong verbal and writtencommunication skills, with the ability to effectively engage withinternal stakeholders and externalsuppliers.

Organisational Skills:

• Strong organisational and timemanagement skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects andpriorities simultaneously.

Soft Skills:

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability toinfluence stakeholders at various levels of theorganisation.

• Ability towork collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while alsobeing self-motivated.

Preferred Experience andQualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration,Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, or a relatedfield.

• Master’s degree inBusiness Administration, Information Technology, or a relatedfield.

• Relevantcertifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP),Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), orsimilar.

Experience:

• Experience in a leadership or managerial rolewithin supplier management or procurement.

• Knowledge of procurement software and tools formanaging supplier relationships and contracts.

IndustryKnowledge:

• Experience in the education sector ororganisations focused on social care or specialeducation.

• TechnicalSkills:

• Familiarity withfinancial analysis related to procurement and supplier management,including budgeting and cost control.

QUALITIES ANDBEHAVIOURS:

• Holdand articulate clear values

• Demonstrate optimistic personal behaviors,positive relationships and attitudes towards colleagues, and widerinternal and external contacts

• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity,creativity, resilience and clarity

• Highly motivated andresilient

ADDITIONALREQUIREMENTS:

• Act as an ambassador for Outcomes FirstGroup

• At all times promoteand comply with organisations commitment to safeguarding, equalopportunities and health and safety

Please note the role specification is subjectto change as part of the dynamic nature of the business.

Why join Outcomes FirstGroup?

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialisteducation in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children andyoung people access to a great education that caters to theirspecific needs, abilities and aspirations.

Thereare three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education,Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care forand support children, young people, and adults across the UK,empowering them to be happy and make their way in theworld.

We are really proud to say that in 2024,Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place toWork’ for the fifth year running.

Our VisionWebelieve that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil canthrive and make their way in the world.

OurMissionEvery day we improve the lives of our pupils,their families, and local communities through a relentless focus onwellbeing and learning.

Our Promise We are kind to ourselvesand each other We work together and we make things happen. OurPromise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes thesort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat eachother, work together, and behave.

Benefits

Your health andwellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional rewardpackage including:

• Life Assurance

• Pension scheme with options to increase yourcontributions

• “YourWellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mentalhealth support services and physical healthchecks

• Family GrowthSupport – inclusive benefits package covering enhancedmaternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatmentsupport.

And a market-leading benefit offering through ourFlexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose thepackage that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing,and insurance benefits

• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK andabroad

• Cycle to WorkSchemes

• Electric CarPurchase Scheme

• Criticalillness cover

And that’s not all, weplace the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adultsin our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wakeevery day in the knowledge that your role will have a significantpositive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to thesafeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.All applicants will be subject to social media checks andsuccessful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We’re on a mission togive our colleagues an amazing work/lifebalance!

We are an Equal OpportunitiesEmployer.