Wishgranting Supplier Account Manager (Maternity Cover)

Location: Reading, Hybrid (once a month to Reading office)

Hours: Full time

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Contract Type: FTC Maternity Cover

Campaign Closes: 8th April 2026

Interviews: 15th/16th/17th April 2026

On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.

Core Purpose

The Wishgranting Supplier Account Manager's role is to oversee and optimise the relationships between Make-A-Wish and our supplier partners, ensuring that suppliers effectively contribute to the organisation’s mission to fulfil impactful wishes. The role encompasses relationship management, supplier stewardship, and technology integration to drive efficiency, transparency, and collaboration. They will play a crucial role in supporting the WG Partnerships Manager in acquiring new Gift-in-Kind partnerships, ultimately reducing the average cash cost per wish and supporting the organisation’s growth objectives.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in supplier, account, or partnership management.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and a varied workload.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Ability to analyse supplier information and performance data to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Experience coordinating complex logistics and problem-solving to deliver high quality outcomes.
• High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy across administration, supplier documentation, and compliance processes.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, maintaining professionalism in sensitive or emotionally challenging contexts.
• Confident using CRM systems and digital tools, with the ability to maintain accurate and timely records.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in the charity sector or with vulnerable children and families.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles.
• Experience with procurement processes or supplier contract management.
• Financial awareness related to budgeting, quoting, or supplier cost management.
• Understanding of wishgranting operations or similar fulfilment logistics.

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting Gift-in-Kind Efforts

• Work closely with the Wishgranting Partnerships Manager to identify and secure new Gift-in-Kind partners.
• Assist in articulating the benefits of Gift-in-Kind contributions to potential partners.
• Collaborate on creating tailored proposals that showcase how partnerships can reduce wish costs.
• Work closely with the Wishgranters to ensure Gift-in-Kind is utilised against wishes.
• Support the Wishgranting Partnerships Manager to develop the GIK solicitation processes.
• Develop and report on a pipeline of GIK supporters.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to maximise non-wish related Gift In Kind opportunities.

Supplier Account Management

• Maintain regular communication with Wishgranting suppliers.
• Oversee the onboarding process for new suppliers.
• Develop and execute stewardship plans that keep suppliers engaged.
• Act as a primary point of contact for resolving any issues or disputes with suppliers.
• Ensure suppliers adhere to all contractual obligations, quality standards, and timelines.
• Regularly review contracts and processes.
• Create guidelines for the Wishgranting team.
• Deliver training and provide updates to the Wishgranters on new supplier processes.
• Place purchase orders with Wishgranting suppliers.
• Support with post-wish financial administration and processes.

Tech and Process Optimisation

• Utilise and optimise technology platforms to manage supplier accounts and the GIK inventory.
• Work with the Wishgranting Team Manager to seek opportunities to automate routine tasks.
• Implement and manage tools that facilitate better communication and collaboration.

Job Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave with the option to buy/sell annual leave (pro rata for part time).
• Paid Birthday leave.
• Flexible & Hybrid working arrangements.
• Salary exchange pension scheme.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Pirkx subscription - Access to wellbeing support, GP appointments, training and events, retail discount platform, and much more!
• Cycle to work initiative.