At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key supplier relationships to ensure successful delivery of the East West Rail programme.
- Company: Join East West Railway, a major UK infrastructure project driving economic growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and advanced learning opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to building a welcoming environment for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport connections that benefit vibrant communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in Supplier Relationship Management and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
East West Rail is a nationally significant railway project which aims to deliver much-needed transport connections for the vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year. However, the lack of good East-West transport connections makes it harder for residents to make the most of everything the region has to offer. EWR is also one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget.
Role Summary
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.
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 and governance processes.
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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 UK communities that 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 Railway Company
East West Railway Company is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and extensive benefits including up to 12% employer pension contributions, 36 days of annual leave, and advanced learning opportunities. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every employee can thrive while contributing to a project that significantly enhances transport connections and economic growth in the vibrant communities between Oxford and Cambridge.
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 people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand the East West Rail programme inside out, so you can show how your skills align with their goals. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in supplier relationship management can benefit the East West Rail project. Keep it concise and impactful – we want to hear your story!
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
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 for the Supplier Relationship Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and how it aligns with the East West Rail programme's goals.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong stakeholder management and communication skills. We want to see how you can build effective relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers.
Be Data-Driven:Since the role involves monitoring supplier performance, include examples of how you've used KPIs and performance data in past roles. This will show us that you understand the importance of data in supplier management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Railway Company
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, research the key suppliers involved in the East West Rail programme. Understand their roles, strengths, and any recent news about them. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're proactive about building those strategic relationships.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers in the past. Highlight your communication and influencing skills, as these are crucial for the Supplier Relationship Manager role. Use the STAR method to structure your responses.
✨Understand Performance Metrics
Familiarise yourself with KPIs and performance metrics relevant to supplier management. Be ready to discuss how you've monitored and improved supplier performance in previous roles. This shows that you can drive continuous improvement initiatives effectively.
✨Emphasise Risk Management Experience
Be prepared to talk about your experience in identifying and managing supplier-related risks. Share specific examples of how you've escalated and resolved issues in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to ensure compliance and manage potential challenges proactively.
