Supplier Assurance Business Partner

We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. We’ve got a great opportunity to join 1st Central as our new Supplier Assurance Business Partner! Are you a natural relationship-builder with a knack for process and detail? Do you get a buzz from making complex frameworks feel simple and engaging? Fancy working in a fast-paced, people-first company where you can truly make an impact? Well, we might just have the role for you.

We’re looking for someone who knows their way around supplier management, understands third-party risk, and is passionate about helping colleagues across the business get it right. You’ll be the go-to expert on all things Third Party Risk Management (TPRM).

Skills you’ll need to be a great fit for the role:

• Strong Stakeholder Management and Relationship Building Skills: you’ll excel at fostering relationships with key stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and point of contact for all things related to Third Party Risk Management.
• Attention to Detail and a Compliance Mindset: you’re someone who spots issues before they become problems and has a sharp eye for quality assurance and process improvement.
• Solid Supplier Risk & Regulatory Know-How: you’ve worked with supply chain risk and understand the regulatory landscape (bonus points for financial services experience and CIPS qualifications!).
• Experience of Third Party Risk Management Systems Implementation (advantageous): you’ve been involved in implementing or working with TPRM systems before.

We’re big on flexible working, with offices in Salford Quays, Manchester and Haywards Heath, West Sussex. You’ll spend most of your time working from home with a day a week at the office or when required, but of course, it’s your choice - if you prefer to be in the office more, that’s good with us too. If you live a bit further out, we’re open to remote working - we just ask that you pop in either monthly/bi-monthly to catch up in person.

What’s involved:

• Develop strong relationships with business stakeholders across the organisation to build credibility and proactively act as a trusted colleague to be the main point of contact into the Supplier Assurance Team on all things TPRM related.
• Alongside the Supplier Assurance Manager, lead on embedding and rolling out the Group-wide supplier management procedures and framework to relevant colleagues across the business.
• Work with Relationship Managers to maintain a maturity map of supplier management and compliance to framework across the business.
• Develop and maintain a roadmap to enhance Relationship Managers capabilities.
• Lead on establishing a training and e-learning suite of TPRM activities to complement the Group-wide supplier management procedures and framework.
• Lead on the Supplier Management Forum, including maintaining the Terms of Reference, the development of the agendas and presenting in the Forum as required.
• Assist the Supplier Assurance Manager in developing the tools by which to monitor compliance to the Group-wide supplier management procedures and framework.
• Support the Supplier Assurance Manager in the creation and development of new tools, templates and guidance as required.
• Lead in the presenting of various webinars and drop-in sessions on various aspects of the Group-wide supplier management procedures and framework.
• Oversee the monitoring of the TPRM maturity and capability of colleagues undertaking supplier management activities across the organisation.
• Assist the Supplier Assurance Manager in the management and closure of all Risks and Controls assigned in Protecht.
• Act as liaison between the Supplier Assurance Team and the Procurement Team within P&SM.
• QA the data outputs of the Supplier Assurance Team alongside the Supplier Assurance Manager.
• Ensure any supplier Technical Audit activity is undertaken in line with the Group-wide supplier management framework.
• Monitor OsCo supplier Return to Green (RTG) Plans to ensure Relationship Managers are progressing them appropriately.

Experience, knowledge & skills:

• Good understanding of supplier management best practice and principles from Risk Management to Relationship Management.
• Good knowledge of supply chain risks and controls.
• Experience in financial services and knowledge of the regulatory environment is preferred.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills.
• Some experience of auditing and managing compliance of processes.
• Understanding of the Regulatory rules (FCA, GFSC) regarding outsourcing.
• Studying towards / achieved CIPS.
• Good influencing skills.
• Keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills.

Behaviours:

• Enthusiastic and focused on supporting colleagues.
• An organised and proactive approach with the ability to meet deadlines and take ownership and initiative where appropriate.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.
• Good problem-solving skills with the ability to translate issues and seek resolutions.

Ready to make an impact? If you’re passionate about supplier management, thrive on building strong relationships, and want to play a key role in shaping how we manage third-party risk at 1st Central - we’d love to hear from you. Bring your experience, energy, and ideas, and we’ll give you the support, flexibility, and opportunities to grow.

What can we do for you? People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive.