At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier relationships and optimise technology partnerships for a top legal firm.
- Company: Join a leading international legal and professional services firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role at the heart of digital transformation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in supplier management with strong negotiation and stakeholder skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading international legal and professional services firm, is looking to appoint an experienced Supplier Relationship Lead to join its growing Technology function. This is a strategic and commercially focused role, responsible for managing and optimising relationships with key third-party technology suppliers across a complex, fast-paced environment. Technology sits at the heart of the firm’s long-term strategy, with significant investment and senior-level backing across digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence.
The Opportunity
This role will take ownership of the supplier management framework across technology operations, ensuring suppliers deliver value, performance, compliance, and innovation aligned to business objectives. You will work closely with internal technology, procurement, legal, finance, and operational stakeholders while managing a broad ecosystem of external technology partners and service providers.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the supplier relationship and governance strategy
- Manage technology supplier contracts, renewals, negotiations, and commercial performance
- Ensure supplier roadmaps align with the firm’s wider technology and architecture strategy
- Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and SLAs
- Identify and mitigate supplier-related operational, security, and compliance risks
- Lead issue resolution and supplier escalations when required
- Support procurement activity for new and existing technology engagements
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and cost optimisation initiatives
- Work collaboratively with technology and finance teams on budgeting and supplier spend
About You
- 5+ years’ experience within supplier management, vendor management, procurement, or technology operations
- Strong experience managing technology outsourcing and managed service providers
- Commercially astute with strong contract negotiation experience
- Experience working within complex professional services, legal, or corporate environments would be advantageous
- Understanding of technology compliance, governance, and risk management
- Experience reviewing AI-related supplier contracts and awareness of emerging AI regulatory frameworks
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Analytical, proactive, and solutions-focused approach
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Hybrid and flexible working environment
- Private medical insurance
- Strong pension contribution structure
- 25 days holiday with option to buy additional leave
- £350 annual wellbeing allowance
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Additional lifestyle and family-focused benefits
IT Supplier Relationship Lead employer: Cromwell Banks
Join a leading international legal and professional services firm that prioritises technology and innovation at its core. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the company offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and extensive benefits including private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme. This dynamic environment fosters professional growth and collaboration, making it an excellent place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in supplier relationship management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Supplier Relationship Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their technology landscape and be ready to discuss how you can add value. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Supplier Relationship Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of IT Supplier Relationship Lead. Highlight your experience in supplier management and technology operations, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
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 your understanding of technology compliance and governance, and how your skills can help drive continuous improvement at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. We want to see how you’ve successfully collaborated with various teams in the past, especially in complex environments.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cromwell Banks
✨Know Your Suppliers Inside Out
Before the interview, do your homework on the key technology suppliers relevant to the role. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they align with the firm's objectives. This will show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in optimising supplier relationships.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since this role involves contract negotiations, brush up on your negotiation skills. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to ensuring compliance and performance while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This position requires excellent communication and stakeholder management. Think of specific instances where you successfully collaborated with various teams or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to work across departments like finance, legal, and technology.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss how you would handle supplier escalations or mitigate risks related to compliance and security. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
