Senior Supplier Relationship Manager (Under Procurement)

Senior Supplier Relationship Manager (Under Procurement)

Duration: 2 year FTC
Location: York, London, Manchester
Salary: £52,000 to £65,000
Closing date: 5th November 2025
Reports to: Head of Commercial Governance and Assurance

DFTO Benefits

• Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to a maximum of 30 days over the first 5 years.
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution.
• Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.

About DfT Operator

DfT Operator Ltd (DFTO) is the public‑sector owning group behind LNER, Northern, SE, and TransPennine Express. We deliver better train services, enhance customer experiences, and boost performance across the network. We manage 25% of Britain\’s railways and are committed to shaping the future of train travel.

Primary Purpose of the Role

We seek an experienced strategic supplier relationship and risk manager to support DFTO group procurement and its train operators, driving central supplier relationship and risk management strategies across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to ensure resilience and efficiency of third‑party supply chains.
• Develop and facilitate tools to manage and mitigate supply‑chain risk.
• Support strategically important supplier relationships to meet policy requirements, provide value for money and align with wider industry context.
• Create and deliver a robust commercially focused performance‑management framework for key suppliers.
• Build collaborative relationships to coordinate communication between DFTO and its suppliers.

Key Competencies

Communicate & Influence

• Clear, honest, enthusiastic communication with TOCs, stakeholders, suppliers, DfT and other government bodies.
• Explain complex issues simply, deliver difficult messages with clarity, and remain impartial.
• Use digital resources effectively to deliver value for money.

Working Together

• Encourage joined‑up teamwork across teams and groups.
• Establish professional relationships, share information, resources and support, fostering a positive team spirit.
• Support wellbeing of team members.

Changing and Improving

• Seek innovation opportunities, take calculated risks, provide constructive feedback.
• Help others understand changes, use technology efficiently, and consider accessibility.

Delivering at Pace

• Clarify roles, responsibilities, and priorities.
• Set clear processes and standards for performance management.
• Ensure timely, quality outcomes; reward success.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

Strategy and Policy Development

• Proven track record in developing and implementing SRM and risk management strategies.
• Experience managing strategic suppliers in complex environments.
• Understanding of procurement rules and legislation.

Risk and Assurance Management

• Analytical risk assessment and recommendation skills.
• Experience in assurance roles with diverse stakeholders.

Commercial Ethics

• Eliminate corruption, fraud, and unethical behavior in supply chains.

Build Relationships

• Engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders.
• Present technical advice to influence decision‑making.
• Demonstrate commercial motivation and expectations.

How To Apply

Contact HM / Resourcer – dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk. If applying for a secondment, notify your line manager before submitting your application.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Sales and Business Development

Industries

Rail Transportation

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