Senior Vendor Manager

Job description Please double check you have the right level of experience and qualifications by reading the full overview of this opportunity below. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. We’re on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance! We are trailing the four day working week, get paid 100% for 80%! Job title: Senior Vendor Manager Location: Bolton Salary: up to £50,000 Hours: 9-5 Monday-Friday UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. JOB PURPOSE: The Vendor Manager is responsible for managing relationships with external IT suppliers and vendors to ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services that align with the organisation’s strategic goals. This role involves overseeing the procurement process, negotiating contracts, and monitoring supplier performance to ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) and quality standards. The IT Supplier Manager will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to identify needs, facilitate effective communication, and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance. By fostering strong partnerships with suppliers and ensuring that IT services meet operational requirements, the IT Supplier Manager will contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation’s IT operations. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: Develop and maintain strong relationships with IT suppliers, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to meet organisational needs. Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers to ensure favourable terms and conditions, and monitor compliance with contractual obligations. Track and evaluate supplier performance against established metrics and SLAs, addressing any issues or non-compliance in a timely manner. Manage the end-to-end procurement process for IT products and services, including needs assessment, supplier selection, and purchase order management. Identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier relationships and procurement processes, ensuring that contingency plans are in place. Monitor and control IT supplier-related expenditures, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements. Work closely with internal teams to understand their IT needs, ensuring that supplier offerings align with business requirements. Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives. Drive initiatives for continuous improvement in supplier performance and procurement processes, seeking opportunities to enhance service delivery and efficiency. Prepare regular reports on supplier performance, procurement activities, and market trends, providing insights to inform decision-making at the executive level. EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS: Essential Experience and Qualifications: Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in supplier/vendor management, procurement, or contract management within the IT sector. Proven track record of managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts. Technical Skills: Strong understanding of IT procurement processes and supplier performance metrics. Familiarity with IT products and services, including hardware, software, and cloud solutions. Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess supplier performance and identify areas for improvement. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Organisational Skills: Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Soft Skills: Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels of the organisation. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while also being self-motivated. Preferred Experience and Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or similar. Experience: Experience in a leadership or managerial role within supplier management or procurement. Knowledge of procurement software and tools for managing supplier relationships and contracts. Industry Knowledge: Experience in the education sector or organisations focused on social care or special education. Technical Skills: Familiarity with financial analysis related to procurement and supplier management, including budgeting and cost control. QUALITIES AND BEHAVIOURS: Hold and articulate clear values Demonstrate optimistic personal behaviors, positive relationships and attitudes towards colleagues, and wider internal and external contacts Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, creativity, resilience and clarity Highly motivated and resilient ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Act as an ambassador for Outcomes First Group At all times promote and comply with organisations commitment to safeguarding, equal opportunities and health and safety Please note the role specification is subject to change as part of the dynamic nature of the business. Why join Outcomes First Group? About the Group Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations. There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. Our VisionWe believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world. Our MissionEvery day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning. Our Promise*We are kind to ourselves and each other…We work together… and we make things happen.*Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave. Benefits Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We’re on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance! We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.