Job Description
Vendor Manager - Technology - LeedsVendor Manager - TechnologyLocation: Leeds | Hybrid, flexible working options considered | Senior Leadership Now let\\\\\\'s talk about your new role. As Vendor Manager your role will be pivotal in maintaining and enhancing our relationships with IT suppliers and outsourcers, ensuring the smooth operation of our supply chain and optimize service and financial performance.You\\\\\\'ll handle supplier performance pre- and post-contract, ensuring compliance with agreements and collaborating with key stakeholders like the CIO, Service Delivery Director, and IT Leadership. This is an exciting time as we work on plans for renewal and you\\\\\\'ll contribute to building the framework for the future.
What you\\\\\\'ll do:Manage pre- and post-contract strategy and performance, including risk management.Support RFI and RFP requests and ensure compliance with internal standards.Track financial performance and drive supplier improvement plans.Facilitate service review meetings and contribute to forecasting and budgeting.Develop communication mechanisms and ensure due diligence and risk assessment.Manage supplier processes and challenge the norm to meet business needs. What you\\\\\\'ll bring to the role:End-to-end IT Vendor Management experience with knowledge of governance, SOWs, and performance management.Understanding of contract constructs and legal terminology.Experience managing contract renewals and familiarity with IT governance.Ability to manage large vendor relationships, including outsourcing and IT managed services.Strong relationship-building skills, commercial acumen, and a proven track record of delivering substantial savings.Ability to plan and manage multiple work programmes effectively. Our people are our greatest asset.
That means part of our mission is building a workplace where you can grow with us, and help us go on to make a difference, together.You\\\\\\'ll have lots of opportunities to make an impact on your personal development. At Lowell we have a big focus on helping our colleagues develop their careers and grow with us, together.So, whatever your culture, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, or disability status, if you\\\\\\'re ready to help us make credit work better for all, we think you\\\\\\'ll fit right in. Our people are our strength, so we build strong teams thriving with diverse voices, and offer benefits that can keep our people strong.
That means…Discretionary annual bonus for a job well done, earn up to 5% of your annual salary.3% flexible benefits; choose additional benefits or take as cash each month. Whether it\\\\\\'s extra holiday or dental cover, there\\\\\\'s something for you.Hybrid working environment: Work in our new purpose-built Leeds office at Thorpe Park, designed to support collaborative working and those meaningful moments you\\\\\\'ll only get from being in the office.Free parking when you are in the office and when working from home, you\\\\\\'ll be fully equipped with everything you need to be successful.28 days holiday plus public holidays with the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days.Life assurance.A fantastic culture with more little perks along the way including self-development opportunities, recognition awards, and on-site gym facilities.Wellbeing support and a programme of webinars and classes geared towards mindfulness. Ready to take the next step?If you\\\\\\'re excited about making a real impact, working with great people, and helping us shape the future of IT vendor management at Lowell, we\\\\\\'d love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Manager - Technology - Leeds
✨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 Lowell Group.
✨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!
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 Lowell Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lowell Group. 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 Lowell Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lowell Group
✨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 Lowell Group!
✨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 Lowell Group. 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 Lowell Group's culture.
