At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on operational excellence and supplier collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing supplier performance and driving efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Supplier Relationship Manager to take ownership of key strategic supplier relationships and ensure strong commercial, operational and contractual performance across the Operations portfolio. This is a key role for someone who can build effective supplier relationships while also providing the commercial challenge and governance needed to deliver value, performance and continuous improvement.
What you’ll be doing:
- Own strategic supplier relationships and lead regular governance and performance reviews
- Monitor supplier performance against contracts, KPIs and service levels
- Drive corrective actions, accountability and continuous improvement
- Review and challenge supplier forecasts, valuations, invoices and claims
- Manage contractual issues, disputes, variations and renewals
- Ensure robust commercial controls across operational spend
- Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, value and contract performance
- Work closely with Operations, Finance, Commercial and Procurement teams
- Ensure suppliers meet contractual, regulatory, governance and health & safety requirements
- Provide clear reporting and commercial insight to senior stakeholders
What we’re looking for:
- Strong experience in supplier and contract management
- Proven experience managing supplier performance against contractual obligations and KPIs
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including cost control and budget management
- Experience reviewing supplier costs, invoices, valuations or claims
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- Strong governance, reporting and analytical capability
- Experience identifying and delivering cost-saving or efficiency improvements
- Confident using Excel and data analysis to support decision-making
- A proactive approach with the ability to balance operational delivery, commercial governance and strong supplier relationships
Supplier Contract Manager in Reading employer: Project People
Join a dynamic and innovative team at a leading UK mobile and digital infrastructure business, where your expertise as Head of Business Change will be pivotal in driving transformation. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside a culture that values collaboration, professional growth, and the opportunity to lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to delivering impactful change, this role offers a unique chance to influence key business outcomes in a thriving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Contract Manager in Reading
✨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 Project People.
✨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 Supplier Contract Manager in Reading
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 Project People:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Project People. 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 Project People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Project People
✨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 Project People!
✨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 Project People. 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 Project People's culture.
