At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage technology suppliers and ensure they meet contractual commitments and performance standards.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading news organisation with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and a flexible hybrid working model.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic workplace.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a collaborative environment while developing your career in tech management.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing technology suppliers and strong stakeholder management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
This job is with Financial Times, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
About Us
The Financial Times is one of the world's leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.
At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded.
Here, you're given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.
In our warm, collaborative culture, you'll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.
Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you.
With no fixed path, you'll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.
Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued.
A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential.
We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role
We're looking for a Technology Supplier & Contract Manager to join our Product & Technology organisation, reporting to the Project Portfolio Management Director.
In this role, you'll be responsible for the operational management, governance and commercial oversight of our strategic technology suppliers.
You'll ensure our technology partners consistently deliver against contractual commitments, service levels and business objectives while driving value throughout the supplier lifecycle.
Working closely with colleagues across Product & Technology, Procurement, Finance, Legal, Security and our supplier partners, you'll strengthen supplier relationships, improve governance, manage risk and identify opportunities to optimise commercial performance across software, Saa S, cloud, infrastructure and managed service providers.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operational performance of strategic technology suppliers and service providers.
- Develop and maintain supplier governance frameworks, performance scorecards and service review processes.
- Build strong supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable for contractual commitments, KPIs and SLAs.
- Drive continuous service improvement through structured performance reviews and improvement plans.
- Identify and mitigate operational, commercial, security and compliance risks across the supplier portfolio.
- Manage the operational lifecycle of technology contracts, including onboarding, renewals, extensions and supplier exits.
- Maintain oversight of contract renewal dates, commercial obligations and key contractual milestones.
- Partner with Procurement and Legal on supplier renewals, contract negotiations and new supplier engagements.
- Identify opportunities to optimise technology spend, licensing models and commercial value.
- Support budgeting, forecasting and financial governance for third-party technology expenditure.
- Produce regular reporting on supplier performance, contractual status, risks and financial exposure.
- Facilitate governance forums with internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
- Support audit, regulatory and third-party risk management activities.
- Continuously improve supplier management processes, controls and governance standards.
- Required Skills and Experience
- Proven experience managing technology suppliers, vendor relationships or IT service providers within a complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and post-contract supplier governance.
- Experience managing enterprise technology suppliers across Saa S, cloud platforms, infrastructure, software licensing and managed services.
- Sound knowledge of contract governance, service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, service credits and supplier performance frameworks.
- Ability to interpret commercial contracts and translate contractual obligations into effective supplier management practices.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing supplier costs, renewals and value optimisation initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across technical and business functions.
- Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with confidence to challenge suppliers constructively.
- Excellent analytical and organisational skills, including experience producing governance reporting and managing supplier risks.
- Experience managing multiple suppliers and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable
- Experience working within a digital product or technology-led organisation.
- Knowledge of IT procurement and contract governance processes.
- Experience supporting third-party risk management activities.
- Familiarity with technology investment business cases and commercial assessments.
- Knowledge of software licensing models and vendor commercial practices.
What's in it for You?
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices.
These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community.
Full details of our benefits are available here
https://aboutus. ft. com/careers/benefits .
We've embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning.
Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview.
If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft. com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process.
Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.
Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times.
All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process.
If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft. com .
Interested in the FT but don't see the right role yet? Join our Talent Community to receive exclusive updates, featured jobs, and insights into working at the FT.
Technology Supplier & Contract Manager - 12 Month FTC employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where curiosity and ambition are celebrated. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity, employees can thrive in a culture that values unique perspectives and fosters collaboration. The flexibility of remote or hybrid working arrangements from Belfast or London, combined with a comprehensive benefits package, makes the FT an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Supplier & Contract Manager - 12 Month FTC
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Financial Times. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Financial Times.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Financial Times.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Supplier & Contract Manager - 12 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Financial Times and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Financial Times will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Financial Times.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Financial Times.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Financial Times. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
