Supplier Manager

Position

Supplier Manager

Location

Melton, Hull, North Yorkshire

Company Overview

RS Safety Solutions, part of RS Group, is the UK’s leading supplier of PPE, safety and hygiene products to the food manufacturing industry, serving customers of all sizes across the sector.

Role Overview

The Supplier Manager will develop and strengthen local supplier relationships across the UK and Ireland, positioning our strategic suppliers as first‑choice partners. The role involves close collaboration with the sales community and includes regular customer visits.

Responsibilities

• Engage with suppliers and develop long‑term partnerships to become first‑choice for defined strategic suppliers.
• Collaborate with the sales team and schedule regular customer visits.
• Review and negotiate supplier pricing agreements and commercial terms to generate commercial benefits.
• Provide price support for specific customers and opportunities to achieve profitable growth within the category.
• Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives, delivering sales, margin, and cost‑saving targets.
• Identify risks and opportunities to continuously improve category performance.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Utilise Excel and data analysis tools to support decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Successful track record in supplier, account or category management.
• Business planning and execution capability.
• Collaborative team player in fast‑moving, customer‑driven markets.
• Successful supplier relationship management experience.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and cross‑culturally within a global team.
• Understanding and ability to articulate the RS Value Proposition.
• Strong commercial acumen and broad communication skills.
• Positive can‑do attitude, ownership mindset and results orientation.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
• Change management experience.
• Understanding of marketing, purchasing and inventory control.
• Operational problem‑solving and process management capability.
• Excellent negotiation abilities.
• Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Deliver sales, margin and cost‑saving targets.
• Identify risks and opportunities to improve category performance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.

Benefits

• Professional development and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive and diverse culture.
• Commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.