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- Tasks: Manage key supplier relationships to ensure successful delivery of the East West Rail programme.
- Company: Join a nationally significant railway project transforming transport connections in vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 36 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a major infrastructure project that boosts the UK economy and enhances community connectivity.
- Qualifications: Experience in Supplier Relationship Management and strong stakeholder management skills required.
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.
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.
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 Railway Company
Contact Detail:
East West Railway Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Relationship Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at East West Rail. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand the East West Rail programme inside out, and think about how your skills in supplier relationship management can contribute to its success. We want you to shine when it comes to discussing your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to talk about your past experiences, focus on specific examples where you’ve improved supplier performance or managed risks effectively. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Relationship Manager
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 supplier management and how it aligns with the East West Rail programme. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your communication and stakeholder management skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships and manage supplier performance. We love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforwardness and clarity, so let’s keep it simple!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to join the East West Rail journey!
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 relationships.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with internal teams and external suppliers in the past. Highlight your communication and influencing skills, as these are crucial for a Supplier Relationship Manager role.
✨Understand Performance Metrics
Familiarise yourself with KPIs and performance management frameworks relevant to supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss how you've monitored and improved supplier performance in previous roles, as this will be a key part of the job.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential risks or issues that could arise in supplier relationships and how you would address them effectively.