Carrier relations manager

Colt provides network, voice and data centre services to thousands of businesses around the world, allowing them to focus on delivering their business goals instead of the underlying infrastructure.

We are seeking a motivated and relationship-driven Carrier Relations Manager with a strong background in the telecommunications sector and a focus on colocation partnerships. In this role, you will be responsible for managing strategic relationships with colocation and data centre providers to ensure optimal network infrastructure availability, cost efficiency, and operational performance.

You will play a key role in supporting our network expansion and long-term infrastructure planning by managing and ordering space and power within 3rd party colocation facilities and developing critical vendor relationships.

What you will do:

• Manage a broad portfolio of Colocation providers within the EMEA region.
• Identify, qualify and onboard new suppliers for Space & Power.
• Develop, negotiate, and obtain approvals for Master Service Agreements and Framework Agreements.
• Work in close collaboration with internal operational teams to obtain quotations and negotiate individual orders.
• Manage vendor relationships and costs during the lifecycle of acquisitions.
• Deliver material in-year cost savings against your assigned base.
• Identify cost optimisation opportunities and deliver them in close conjunction with Engineering and Operations teams.
• Define the 3-5 year procurement strategy for your area of responsibility and identify and deliver cost-reduction projects.
• Help supervise, act as primary mentor and trainer of more junior level CRM roles.

You will be also responsible for:

• Selecting and onboarding vendors for co-location space and power.
• Developing Master Service Agreement, Contracts and Purchase Order terms and conditions.
• Developing and negotiating complex solutions with Sales, Strategy and CRM.
• Negotiating costs and placing contracts or purchase orders.
• Project managing the bidding process for network expansion projects.
• Managing complex contract renewals and contract consolidation initiatives.
• Managing costs during the lifecycle of co-location space and power.
• Supporting Accounts Payable, Finance and operations functions with invoice and inventory validation.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships at exec level with key suppliers of infrastructure services.
• Liaising with carrier Relations Managers and Pricing Analysts to maintain a broad knowledge of the market.

What we're looking for:

Qualification/s: A Bachelor’s Degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent work experience.

Critical Expertise and Experience:

• Proven experience in telecoms with knowledge of colocation.
• Experience in managing relationships with suppliers, vendors & customers.
• Experience with large data sets to identify, develop and create complex Business Case models.
• Commercial contract negotiation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence internal and external stakeholders across multiple geographies.

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of suppliers within the EMEA region for colocation.
• Demonstrable track record in developing contract and commercial arrangements with suppliers.
• Professional and self-motivated; ability to work productively and effectively with little guidance.
• Detail oriented, ability to analyse large data sets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; multilingual candidates preferred.
• Strong Strategic and Commercial background.
• Project Management skills to engage Stakeholders and drive and support Projects and processes for efficiency.
• Strong Data Analysis skills enabling detailed reporting and strategic direction.
• Attention to detail and high levels of data accuracy.
• Goal oriented to get things done, accelerate change focusing on the customer first and operational excellence.
• Strong knowledge of Outlook, MS Excel, Word & TEAMS.
• Able to travel 0%-20% and attend Supplier Meetings & Conferences.

In addition, you are:

• A robust, dynamic self-starter with imagination and vision.
• Willing to be flexible to get the work done and able to prioritise and plan time effectively.
• Able to communicate clearly and succinctly.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and able to build a positive team culture.
• Results-focused, efficient, and pragmatic.
• Able to support a strategic vision and think globally with a strong sense for entrepreneurship.

What we offer you:

At Colt, you'll make a difference. We empower people and employ those we trust, who come together across the globe to create intelligent solutions. Our global teams are full of ambitious, driven people, all working together towards one shared purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of our customers.

Diversity and inclusion: Inclusion and valuing diversity of thought and experience are at the heart of our culture here at Colt. We welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Benefits: Our benefits support you through all parts of life, for both physical and mental health. Flexible working hours and the option to work from home. Extensive induction program with experienced mentors and buddies. Opportunities for further development and educational opportunities.