At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and manage key supplier relationships for critical contracts.
- Company: Pelion, a leading IoT connectivity provider with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-growing company with a dynamic team and exciting challenges.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supplier partnerships and drive significant business impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing strategic supplier relationships and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
- Supplier Manager
- Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer
- Type: Full time, permanent
We are looking for a Strategic Supplier Manager to lead the commercial strategy and senior relationships behind our most important suppliers and partners.
These are six-figure, multi-year contracts that are critical to our products and services we deliver to customers.
Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will shape commercial strategy and engagement with these suppliers, own those relationships at a senior level, and step in to support our team's day to day when commercial input is needed.
This is a strategic commercial role for someone who thinks in terms of margin, leverage and growth through long-term partnerships.
What matters most is your ability to manage large, business-critical supplier relationships and turn them into an advantage.
You will work closely with operations, service management, product management, finance and sales, but your focus is the commercial relationship itself: where to consolidate, where to diversify, and which partnerships to deepen.
If you enjoy shaping strategy and can hold your own in a negotiation with a major supplier, this one is for you.
About Pelion
Pelion is a multi-operator Io T connectivity provider.
We keep more than 1.8 million devices connected across 150+ countries, over 600 networks, with 99.995% uptime.
From our Glasgow headquarters we serve customers in transport, metering, media and beyond, and our job is a simple one: make global Io T connectivity effortless.
Our suppliers and partners are the foundation of that promise, and this role makes sure they deliver.
What you will do
- Set the commercial strategy.
Shape how Pelion buys from and partners with its strategic suppliers.
Decide where to consolidate spend, where to diversify, and which relationships to deepen, and build the commercial roadmap that supports the wider business plan.
- Own the senior relationships.
Be the senior point of contact and trusted partner for our most important suppliers.
Run the executive cadence of business reviews, roadmap sessions and escalations, and represent Pelion with credibility at the top table.
- Lead the commercials.
Own the terms, pricing and commercials on six-figure, multi-year supplier contracts that are critical to revenue.
Lead renewals and renegotiations, track commitments against actuals, and protect and grow margin.
- Develop new opportunities.
Treat suppliers as partners, not just vendors.
Identify and develop new commercial opportunities: access to new markets and capabilities, co-selling, and emerging propositions that open up growth.
- Support the teams when needed.
Step in for operations, product, finance and sales day to day where commercial input, leverage or an escalation is required.
Bring supplier insight back into the product roadmap and sales propositions, and make sure commercial reality is understood across the company.
- What you will bring
- Track record of managing strategic supplier or partner relationships, ideally including large, multi-year contracts that are critical to a business.
- Strong commercial acumen. You are comfortable owning contracts, pricing models and margin, and you negotiate with confidence.
- Senior relationship skills, with the credibility to build trust with and hold your own against major suppliers.
- A numerate, data-led approach. You build the model rather than wait for one.
- A collaborator who can support and influence operations, product, finance and sales without taking over their day to day.
- Sound commercial judgement and the confidence to set direction.
- Nice to have
- Experience in telecoms, connectivity or a related technology sector.
- Familiarity with mobile network operators, wholesale or roaming agreements.
- Working knowledge of cellular technologies, e SIM standards and telecoms regulation.
- Exposure to satellite or non-terrestrial connectivity.
- Why Pelion
You will own the commercial strategy for the supplier relationships that matter most to our revenue, with the autonomy to set direction and the visibility to see your impact land.
This is a senior role with real commercial weight, working closely with the leadership team, in a business that is growing fast.
Strategic Supplier Manager in Glasgow employer: Pelion
Pelion is an excellent employer for those starting their careers, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Glasgow. With a focus on employee development, you will receive guidance from experienced leaders while having the opportunity to take ownership of your tasks and suggest improvements. The company promotes a flexible hybrid working model, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits, making it an attractive place for individuals eager to grow in business support and office management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Supplier Manager in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Strategic Supplier Manager at Pelion!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Pelion or be willing to refer you for that Strategic Supplier Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Pelion who’s on the lookout for their next Strategic Supplier Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Strategic Supplier Manager role at Pelion!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Supplier Manager in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Pelion. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pelion
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Pelion. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
