IT Supplier Manager - SC Cleared

IT Supplier Manager - Digital Information 6-Month Rolling Contract | Reading | Hybrid | 2-3 Days Onsite per Week £80.00-£84.82 per hour | Inside IR35 Active SC Clearance Mandatory | DV Clearance Desirable We are currently seeking an experienced IT Supplier Manager to join a Digital Information function supporting highly sensitive MOD, aerospace and defence programmes. This is a key supplier management role, responsible for supporting the development and execution of the IT supplier strategy and management framework. You will work closely with Digital Information leadership, Procurement, Finance, Service Management and wider business stakeholders to ensure suppliers deliver against agreed commercial, operational and service expectations. The Opportunity As IT Supplier Manager, you will support the end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle, from supplier identification and evaluation through procurement, contract negotiation, performance management and eventual offboarding. The successful candidate will bring strong commercial acumen, supplier management expertise and process/governance experience, ideally gained within a highly regulated environment such as aerospace, defence or the MOD. Key Responsibilities Support the definition and execution of the IT supplier strategy, ensuring alignment with wider Digital Information and technology strategies. Manage and support the end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle, including evaluation, procurement, contracting, performance management and offboarding. Develop and maintain effective supplier governance frameworks, processes, SLAs and performance metrics. Act as a key interface between Digital Information, Procurement, Finance, Business stakeholders and IT suppliers. Support supplier procurement activities, including tender processes, commercial negotiations and contract renewals. Lead and facilitate regular supplier performance reviews, ensuring SLAs, service quality and customer expectations are consistently achieved. Monitor day-to-day supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement across quality, cost, service and innovation. Identify, manage and resolve supplier service gaps, risks, compliance issues and performance concerns. Work closely with Finance to support budget management and supplier cost-saving initiatives. Contribute to key IT service and business forums, including CAB, supplier performance reviews and operational meetings. Maintain awareness of emerging approaches, tools and best practice in IT supplier management. What We're Looking For Essential 3+ years' experience in IT Supplier Management, covering supplier identification/evaluation, contracting, performance management and offboarding. Demonstrable experience developing and executing IT supplier management strategies. Strong commercial and contract management experience, including negotiating complex IT contracts. Experience working within a highly regulated environment, ideally Aerospace, Defence, MOD or Defence Digital. Strong understanding of IT compliance, risk management and regulatory requirements. Proven track record of improving supplier performance, including cost efficiency, service quality and customer satisfaction. Strong understanding of the IT supplier landscape, including System Integrators (SIs) and their service offerings. Strong process creation, governance and stakeholder management skills. Excellent communication and relationship management skills. Desirable Experience transitioning IT supplier contracts between multiple legal entities. Experience establishing and operating a comprehensive IT supplier governance framework. Experience with tendering, supplier selection and ongoing performance management. DV Clearance. Relevant professional qualifications/certifications such as CIPS, ITIL or PMP. Security Clearance Active SC Clearance is mandatory. DV Clearance is highly desirable due to the sensitive nature of the programmes and onsite working requirements. Contract Details Contract: 6-month rolling contract Location: Reading Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2-3 days onsite per week Rate: £80.00-£84.82 per hour IR35: Inside IR35 Clearance: Active SC mandatory; DV desirableIf you have strong IT Supplier Management, commercial and governance experience and have worked within Defence, Aerospace, MOD or another highly regulated environment, we'd be keen to hear from you