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- Tasks: Manage key supplier relationships to ensure successful delivery of the East West Rail programme.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at East West Railway Company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Supplier Relationship Management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is responsible for developing and managing strategic relationships with key suppliers supporting the East West Rail programme. The Supplier Relationship Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure strong performance, value for money and collaborative delivery across the supply chain. The role plays a key part in ensuring that supplier partnerships are effectively managed to maximise value, manage risk, and support the successful delivery of the programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers to support the successful delivery of the East West Rail programme.
- Act as the primary point of contact for supplier relationship management activities across allocated contracts and supplier portfolios.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed contractual obligations, KPIs and service levels.
- Facilitate regular supplier performance reviews and governance meetings, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
- Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Programme Delivery, Finance and other functions to ensure effective supplier engagement.
- Identify and manage supplier-related risks and issues, ensuring they are escalated and resolved appropriately.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to enhance performance, value for money and delivery outcomes.
- Support the development and implementation of supplier relationship management strategies and frameworks.
- Ensure supplier compliance with contractual requirements, governance processes and ensure supplier performance PA23 notices are issued.
- Provide insight and reporting on supplier performance and relationship health to senior stakeholders.
- Promote collaborative working and partnership behaviours across the supply chain.
- Support the Commercial function in managing supplier disputes, performance concerns and improvement plans where required.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential:
- Proven experience in Supplier Relationship Management, Contract Management or Commercial Management.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build effective relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, both verbal and written.
- Experience managing supplier performance through KPIs, governance frameworks and performance reviews.
- Good understanding of the procurement and contract management lifecycle.
- Experience identifying and managing supplier risks and performance issues.
- Ability to analyse supplier performance data and provide clear reporting and insight.
Desirable:
- Power BI dashboard experience.
- Experience working within complex infrastructure, construction, rail, or public sector environments is advantageous.
- Knowledge of procurement systems such as SAP or Jaggaer.
Benefits
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future.
- 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days.
- 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community.
- Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones.
- Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind.
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it.
- Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits.
- Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards.
- Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
Diversity and Inclusion
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the communities we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
Supplier Relationship Manager in Milton Keynes employer: East West Rail Company
Contact Detail:
East West Rail Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Relationship Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Supplier Relationship Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their challenges and think about how you can add value. We want you to walk in there with confidence, ready to showcase your skills in supplier management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who can help us build strong supplier relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Relationship Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Supplier Relationship Management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their thoughts well, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Be sure to include specific examples of how you've managed supplier performance or improved relationships in the past. We’re looking for real-life stories that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Rail Company
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, do your homework on the key suppliers relevant to the East West Rail programme. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they align with the company's goals. This will show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers. Prepare examples that highlight your communication and influencing skills, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to foster collaboration.
✨Prepare for Performance Metrics
Since the role involves monitoring supplier performance against KPIs, brush up on how you’ve previously managed performance reviews. Be prepared to discuss specific metrics you’ve used and how you’ve driven improvements based on data analysis.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Think of examples where you’ve initiated continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers. Discuss how these efforts led to enhanced performance or value for money. This will illustrate your commitment to driving success in supplier relationships.