At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier performance and ensure seamless service delivery in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on innovative supply chain solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus, and hybrid work flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising supplier relationships and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Supplier Business Manager to play a key role in managing a critical supply chain within a complex, regulated service environment. This is a high-impact role focused on ensuring supplier performance, managing risk, and maintaining continuity of front-line services for customers. You will act as the primary interface between the business and its suppliers, balancing customer demands and internal priorities while building strong, collaborative supplier relationships. Youβll also provide insight to inform future procurement and supply chain strategy.
The Role
As a Supplier Business Manager, you will be accountable for supplier performance across the full lifecycle and will act as a trusted partner to both internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing suppliers through their lifecycle, including onboarding, operational management and offboarding
- Leading supplier performance management, risk management and issue resolution
- Ensuring clear and robust performance delivery plans are in place across all elements of the balanced scorecard
- Owning Monthly Supplier Review (MSR) reporting, ensuring performance data is accurate, meaningful and timely
- Working collaboratively with internal teams to ensure demand forecasts are understood and aligned across contracts
- Triangulating business and supplier data to ensure invoicing aligns with actual performance
- Supporting timely and accurate payment of supplier invoices in line with contractual terms
- Owning in-life budget forecasting and supporting variation mitigation plans with clear reporting
- Implementing and maintaining supplier contract and performance governance frameworks
- Acting as the day-to-day point of contact and first escalation for supplier issues
- Supporting audits, assurance activities and dispute resolution
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives across cost, service quality and risk
- Gathering customer and market insight on capability and technology to inform business decisions and future procurement
About You
You will bring a strong background in supplier or contract management within a service-led environment and be comfortable operating in a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation.
Essential skills and experience
- Experience working in a service-based contract environment (experience in sectors such as energy, telecoms or regulated services is desirable)
- Strong understanding of supplier management, performance management and issue resolution
- Experience managing supplier budgets, forecasting and financial performance
- Strong negotiation, conflict management and problem-solving capability
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, concise messages for senior audiences
- A proactive, detail-oriented approach with a strong focus on outcomes and continuous improvement
If interested, please get in contact with Abigail Bailey β Abigail.bailey@arguilesearch.com
Supplier Business Manager employer: Arguile Search
Contact Detail:
Arguile Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Supplier Business Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Supplier Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them improve supplier performance and manage risks. This will show you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their success.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Supplier Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to resolve conflicts and manage supplier relationships. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing tough topics and finding win-win solutions.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and help you land that dream job. Plus, itβs a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Business Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Supplier Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier management and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in performance management and issue resolution.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around managing supplier relationships and driving continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear and concise language, and if possible, include examples of how you've effectively communicated complex issues to senior audiences in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile Search
β¨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, research the suppliers relevant to the role. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they fit into the supply chain. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're proactive about supplier management.
β¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully resolved supplier issues or improved performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
β¨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. As a Supplier Business Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers. Being able to convey your thoughts clearly will impress the interviewers.
β¨Demonstrate a Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've driven continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles. Highlight specific strategies you've implemented to enhance service quality or reduce costs, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations of the role.