Supplier Relationship Manager

Supplier Relationship Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
East West Rail Company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure successful delivery of the East West Rail programme.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to infrastructure and community development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 36 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital project while developing your career in supplier management.
  • 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.

Supplier Relationship Manager employer: East West Rail Company

As a Supplier Relationship Manager in Milton Keynes, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to the successful delivery of the East West Rail programme. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities alongside a competitive salary and generous benefits package, including up to 12% employer pension contributions and 36 days of annual leave. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and innovation is encouraged, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

East West Rail Company

Contact Details:

East West Rail Company Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Supplier Relationship Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with suppliers or in similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their challenges and think about how you can add value. This will show you're not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their success.

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! As a Supplier Relationship Manager, you'll need to influence and engage with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.

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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Relationship Manager

Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Management
Commercial Management
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
KPI Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Supplier Relationship Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication, don’t shy away from demonstrating your verbal and written skills. Use clear, concise language in your application and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in the past.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Focus on your previous experience in supplier relationship management or contract management. We’re looking for proven success in these areas, so make sure to include specific achievements and metrics that showcase your impact.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!

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, as these are crucial for a Supplier Relationship Manager.

Prepare for Performance Metrics

Familiarise yourself with KPIs and performance management frameworks. Be prepared to talk about how you've monitored supplier performance in the past and any specific tools or methods you've used to drive improvements.

Demonstrate Risk Management Experience

Think of instances where you've identified and managed supplier-related risks. Be ready to explain your approach to resolving issues and how you ensure compliance with contractual obligations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle challenges effectively.