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- Tasks: Lead IT vendor management and contract negotiations to ensure top-notch supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join JD Group, a global leader in sports fashion with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like staff discounts, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and operational excellence in technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT vendor management and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to shape supplier strategies in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
We are looking for a seasoned and versatile individual. The sourcing and contract management sits with our Central Procurement teams. You’ll report to our Director of Technology Operations (In our central IT team). This role will be responsible for managing high-value contracts and relationships with IT/Technology vendors for JD Group. We’re looking for someone who understands how to connect the dots between Procurement and Technology.
Job Title: Head of IT Vendor Management
Location: BL9 8RR
Working Rota: Monday to Friday
Working Hours: 40
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Technology is always changing – and that means our suppliers list can too! We want to understand the external landscape and market to really provide our technology teams with the confidence that the suppliers we onboard are truly the best.
- Working alongside Architecture and Engineering teams to develop long-term category and relationship strategies for partners, aligning with our technology and JD group mission.
- Key relentless focus on delivering value for our customers, taking the lead on complex supplier reviews, and driving jointly developed value creation plans with our partners.
- Focus on protecting the business, identifying emerging risks including cyber, operational resilience and service performance, working with partners and service owners to address and minimise any potential business disruption.
What We’re Looking For:
- Understanding of interactions between people, processes, technology, and how (and where) suppliers can support.
- Experience in an IT/Technology vendor management/procurement role is essential.
- Experience in reviewing contracts (they can be tricky to decipher!).
- Demonstrable experience in supplier negotiations and reviews.
The Company:
The JD Group is a leading omnichannel retailer of Sports Fashion, Street & Premium Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with over 60,000 colleagues over 3,400 stores across several retail fascias in over 30 markets around the world.
We are an equal opportunities employer who embraces and values differences. We recognise the importance of an inclusive workplace culture in which everyone can thrive irrespective of their background or identity.
To be a part of this successful and continuously growing company, you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people-first, digital leader and customer-focused organisation which provides operational excellence and is continuous with identifying new areas of growth into our day-to-day.
We know our employees work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits:
- Incremental Holiday Allowance
- Staff Discount on qualifying purchases across Group retail stores and online
- Exclusive Colleague Bike Discount scheme
- Discounted Gym membership
- Personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work
- Access to Apprenticeships and accredited qualifications
Interested?
If you are interested in this position, then press the Apply Now button .
Due to the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it takes time to review them all. If you don’t hear back within two weeks of your application, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Applications that meet the skills criteria will be contacted for a 1st stage meeting with the talent team. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview with the hiring manager.
Thank you again for your time.
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Head of IT Vendor Management employer: JD
Contact Detail:
JD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT Vendor Management
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in IT vendor management and procurement. Understanding the current landscape will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're proactive about staying informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the IT and procurement fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with supplier negotiations and contract reviews. Being able to articulate your past successes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research JD Group's values and mission. Tailoring your approach to align with their focus on being a people-first, digital leader will show that you're a good cultural fit for the organization.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT Vendor Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of IT Vendor Management position. Familiarize yourself with the key aspects of vendor management, procurement processes, and the technology landscape.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in IT vendor management and procurement. Emphasize your skills in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and any specific technologies you've worked with that align with JD Group's needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your experience with the job description. Discuss how your background in managing high-value contracts and your understanding of the technology sector can contribute to JD Group's mission and goals.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of past achievements in vendor management or procurement. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as cost savings achieved or successful negotiations that enhanced supplier relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at JD
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarize yourself with the key aspects of vendor management, procurement processes, and how they relate to technology. This will help you articulate your experience effectively during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability in handling complex supplier reviews.
✨Connect Procurement with Technology
Be ready to discuss how you can bridge the gap between procurement and technology. Think about how suppliers can support technological advancements and operational excellence, and be prepared to share your insights on aligning these two areas.
✨Demonstrate Risk Management Awareness
Since the role involves identifying emerging risks, prepare to discuss your approach to risk management. Share any relevant experiences where you addressed potential disruptions, particularly in relation to cyber threats or service performance issues.
