At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Kensington Mortgages, where people are at the heart of our mission.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, flexible work, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive workplace for everyone.
- Why this job: Make an impact by influencing sourcing decisions and managing third-party risks.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in category management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the role
We're looking for a Senior Sourcing & Supplier Manager (IT) to play a key role in delivering cost-effective sourcing solutions and ensuring robust third-party risk management across our IT supplier landscape. You’ll partner with stakeholders across the business to drive value, manage risk, and influence strategic sourcing decisions in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
What you’ll be doing
- Strategy & Innovation
- Support the delivery of sourcing plans, including renewals, new contracts, and supplier selection
- Contribute to the Procurement & Partnerships (P&P) strategy and development roadmap
- Monitor market trends and innovations to identify opportunities for improvement
- Present clear, data-driven sourcing and supplier recommendations
- Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the business
- Promote the value of Procurement & Partnerships
- Influence budget holders and stakeholders to ensure adherence to sourcing policies
- Present recommendations to support informed decision-making
- Team & Function Development
- Support the ongoing development of the procurement function
- Deputise for senior leadership when required
- Embed company values and best practice across the team
- Contribute to shaping operating plans and continuous improvement initiatives
- Sourcing & Commercial Delivery
- Take ownership of IT category spend and deliver cost efficiencies
- Ensure sourcing activity aligns with policy and industry best practice
- Identify and mitigate sourcing risks through robust contracting
- Third-Party Risk Management
- Support the delivery of the third-party risk management framework across the full supplier lifecycle
- Maintain tools, templates, and processes to support risk management
- Ensure appropriate exit strategies for high-risk suppliers
- Work closely with Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) to embed risk practices
- Develop guidance and training to support the wider business
- Manage key supplier relationships, resolving issues and driving performance
- Ensure suppliers deliver value, innovation, and agreed outcomes
- Provide commercial support to key business projects
- Governance & Reporting
- Ensure suppliers operate in line with relevant standards and regulations
- Support governance forums for sourcing and supplier risk management
- Maintain accurate records of sourcing activity and supplier performance
- Track and report on savings and category performance
What we’re looking for
- Experience
- Senior‑level experience in category management, ideally within Financial Services
- Proven track record leading complex sourcing and contract negotiations
- Experience managing third‑party risk
- Strong commercial and contractual knowledge
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment
- Knowledge
- Strong understanding of strategic sourcing best practice
- Knowledge of third‑party risk management, ideally within a regulated environment
- Experience developing end‑to‑end procurement policies and processes
- Skills
- Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
- Strong stakeholder management with the ability to build credibility at all levels
- Commercial mindset with a focus on value and innovation
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills
- Qualifications
- Degree (preferred)
- CIPS or equivalent professional qualification (advantageous)
Why join us?
At Kensington Mortgages, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to creating a supportive, flexible and inclusive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. We value continuous development, wellbeing, and work‑life balance, and we actively foster a culture where everyone feels respected, included, and empowered to succeed. We celebrate diversity in all its forms - including differences in thinking, background, identity, and experience - and are proud to be an inclusive employer.
Senior Sourcing and Supplier Manager in Thatcham employer: Kensington Mortgage Company
Kensington Mortgages is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and a supportive work culture, we offer flexible working arrangements and continuous development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role. Located in a dynamic environment, our focus on innovation and collaboration empowers you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Kensington Mortgage Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sourcing and Supplier Manager in Thatcham
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Kensington Mortgage Company.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sourcing and Supplier Manager in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Kensington Mortgage Company:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kensington Mortgage Company. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Kensington Mortgage Company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kensington Mortgage Company
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Kensington Mortgage Company!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Kensington Mortgage Company. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Kensington Mortgage Company's culture.
