At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage IT supply chain and vendor relationships to optimise technology resources.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on innovation and strategic growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role that shapes the future of IT supply chains.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in IT sourcing and vendor management; strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented IT Supply Chain Manager to oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of our information technology hardware and software assets. This pivotal role involves managing IT vendor relationships for all IT hardware, software, and services. The ideal candidate will be an expert negotiator with a deep understanding of the IT market, focused on optimizing costs, mitigating risks, and ensuring the seamless delivery of technology resources that empower our business operations.
You will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust IT supply chain strategy that aligns with our technological goals and financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Vendor & Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key IT suppliers and partners.
- Establish and manage a vendor performance program, conducting regular business reviews to monitor performance, address issues, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Act as the primary escalation point for resolving vendor-related issues concerning delivery, quality, or service, and escalate unresolved or critical matters to the Procurement Team as appropriate.
- Supply Chain & Asset Lifecycle Management: Collaborate with the IT team to oversee the entire lifecycle of IT assets, from initial sourcing and deployment to refresh and decommissioning/disposal.
- Work closely with the IT team to assist in maintaining appropriate inventory levels, ensuring sufficient stock is available to support business needs while minimizing excess and carrying costs.
- Financial & Operational Excellence: Partner with Finance, Procurement and IT leadership to develop and manage the IT purchasing budget, ensuring alignment with financial forecasts and goals.
- Work collaboratively with the IT team and Procurement to identify, track, and report on cost savings, cost avoidance, and value-add initiatives.
- Ensure all ordering and tracking activities are compliant with company policies as outlined by the Procurement and Finance teams, legal requirements, and industry best practices.
- Streamline and automate ordering processes to enhance efficiency and scalability.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in a Supply Chain Management, IT or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in IT sourcing, strategic vendor management, or supply chain management.
- Demonstrable experience sourcing a wide range of IT categories, including data centre hardware, enterprise software agreements (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce), cloud services (AWS, Azure, GCP), and telecommunications.
- Proven track record of successful contract and price negotiations resulting in significant cost savings and improved commercial terms.
- Preferred Qualifications: Professional certification such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with IT Asset Management (ITAM) and IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks and tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Lansweeper).
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the bigger picture and develop long-term strategies.
- Expert Negotiator: Strong influencing and negotiation skills with a deep understanding of contractual language.
- Analytical Mindset: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.
- Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, TCO analysis, and financial forecasting.
- Relationship Builder: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building strong relationships with internal stakeholders (IT, Legal, Finance) and external suppliers.
- Project Management: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
What’s in it for you?
Benefits
- Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
- Flexible, hybrid working policy
- Generous bonus scheme
- Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
- Holiday exchange scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
IT Supply Chain Manager in Manchester employer: CMS UK
Join a forward-thinking company that values strategic innovation and employee growth, offering a competitive salary and a flexible hybrid working policy. As an IT Supply Chain Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that prioritises strong vendor relationships and operational excellence, while enjoying generous benefits such as a bonus scheme and private medical insurance. This role not only empowers you to make impactful decisions but also supports your professional development in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Supply Chain Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT supply chain space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s IT supply chain strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need to optimise their tech resources!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role requires expert negotiation, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. This will help you feel more confident when discussing salary and benefits during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that IT Supply Chain Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Supply Chain Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Supply Chain Manager role. Highlight your experience in vendor management and IT sourcing, and don’t forget to showcase those negotiation skills that we’re looking for!
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 examples of how you've optimised costs or improved vendor relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love candidates who can think critically! In your application, include examples of how you've used data to make decisions or improve processes. This will show us you have the analytical mindset we value.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at CMS UK
✨Know Your IT Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of IT supply chain management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT sourcing and vendor management. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the IT market will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved terms. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help demonstrate your expert negotiation skills and how they can benefit the company.
✨Build a Relationship Strategy
Think about how you would cultivate and maintain relationships with key IT suppliers. Be ready to discuss your approach to vendor performance management and how you would handle issues that arise. This shows that you understand the importance of relationship building in this role.
✨Align with Financial Goals
Understand the financial aspects of the role, such as budgeting and cost analysis. Be prepared to discuss how you would partner with Finance and Procurement to align IT purchasing with financial forecasts. This will highlight your financial acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
