At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure performance meets expectations while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join KCOM, a community-focused tech company with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that drives value and fosters collaboration.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in vendor management with strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
We are looking for a commercially astute and proactive Vendor Manager to join our Group Services team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the ongoing relationships with third-party suppliers who provide goods and services to KCOM. You will play a key part in ensuring supplier performance meets expectations, costs are controlled, and risks are effectively mitigated — all while driving continuous improvement and value for money.
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum dependent on experience
Location: Hull, Carr Lane (Minimum 2 days per week office based)
Advert Closing Date: 25th November 2025
We may close the advert early if we receive strong interest, so don’t wait.
Interview Dates: To be confirmed after closing date
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and coordinate interactions with suppliers, including contract renewals and terminations.
- Lead regular supplier performance reviews to monitor service delivery against agreed targets.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships aligned to strategic importance.
- Produce regular reports on supplier KPIs (financial and non-financial).
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to escalate and resolve supplier issues.
- Maintain accurate supplier and contract data within internal systems.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and resolve commercial issues.
- Support and enforce supplier management policies and processes.
- Monitor and log procurement risks, including legislative changes impacting suppliers.
Essential Candidate Requirements:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a vendor management role.
- Strong negotiation, influencing, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Commercially astute with a solid understanding of contract management.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Confident using data and reporting tools.
- IT literate – proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ERP/purchasing systems.
Preferred:
- CIPS qualification.
- Industry experience in utilities and/or service provision.
About Us:
KCOM goes beyond broadband—for us it’s about community, innovation, and commitment. Since 1904, we’ve been integral to Hull and East Yorkshire, delivering award-winning broadband services and being at the heart of our region. Join us in expanding our full-fibre network and connect more homes and businesses. At KCOM, collaboration fuels our innovation, driving us to be the best and keep our customers seamlessly connected. We empower our customers to thrive in the digital age, and we’re passionate about making a real difference in their lives.
Why Work with Us:
The Power is all Yours. At KCOM, our dedication to our people mirrors our commitment to our customers. Immerse yourself in a workplace that values you as an individual, offering family-friendly policies and adaptable working arrangements. Engage with us through employee forums, enjoy a wide range of on-site facilities, and a suite of services supporting colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Benefit from an employee assistance program, occupational health support, a variety of online wellbeing tools as well as our personal development learning platform. Values are not just words for us – they are the foundation of our dynamic workplace. Grow with us, seize opportunities to progress, and unleash your potential in an environment designed to nurture your professional development.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We champion inclusivity for all, celebrating diversity through forums and DEI events. Join KCOM and thrive in a culture that values and nurtures your potential. We are signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme and we support local schools and colleges with mock interviews and careers advice. We are only accepting direct applications to this vacancy and therefore no agency applications will be accepted at this time.
Vendor Manager in Hull employer: KCOM
Contact Detail:
KCOM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Manager in Hull
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research KCOM's values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of a Vendor Manager. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining KCOM and ready to contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Manager in Hull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vendor Manager role. Highlight your experience in vendor management, negotiation skills, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for KCOM. Mention your understanding of the industry and how your skills align with our values and mission.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since the role involves monitoring supplier KPIs, be sure to mention your proficiency with data and reporting tools. Give examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at KCOM!
How to prepare for a job interview at KCOM
✨Know Your Vendors
Before the interview, research the key suppliers KCOM works with. Understand their services and how they align with KCOM's goals. This will show your proactive approach and help you discuss how you can enhance those relationships.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes. This is crucial for a Vendor Manager role, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to influence and resolve conflicts effectively.
✨Be Data Savvy
Familiarise yourself with common KPIs used in vendor management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This will showcase your analytical skills and attention to detail, which are essential for this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with internal teams in the past. Prepare to share specific instances where you’ve escalated issues or resolved conflicts. This will illustrate your communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.