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- Tasks: Manage supplier partnerships to ensure top-notch service delivery for Scotland’s pensions.
- Company: Join the Scottish Public Pensions Agency, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive environment, and great employee benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of over 640,000 key workers.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 4-6 or equivalent qualifications in procurement or management required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Shape stronger supplier partnerships delivering reliable services for Scotland’s pensions. The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Our principal role is to administer the pensions for employees in the National Health Service, Teachers’, Police and Fire-fighters’ pension schemes in Scotland.
SPPA are engaged in large-scale contract and supplier management, primarily centred around the provision of our pensions platform but also including a large volume of other smaller contracts. As Supplier Manager, you will help ensure our suppliers deliver optimal performance, manage risks effectively, comply with contractual requirements, and continually improve outcomes to deliver maximum value to our staff, our members and their employers.
Responsibilities
- Manage supplier and contract performance against KPIs, SLAs, and delivery targets to ensure quality, value for money, and service continuity.
- Lead regular supplier performance reviews, producing actionable insights, reports, and improvement recommendations.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as a key point of contact and resolving issues through effective escalation and collaboration.
- Lead and support improvement plans to address underperformance and help drive continuous improvement initiatives and value enhancement.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate supplier and supply chain risks, ensuring resilience and alignment with organisational risk frameworks.
- Ensure compliance and governance, including adherence to contractual terms, procurement policy, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
- Use data and market insights to analyse supplier performance, inform decision making, and improve contract delivery approaches.
- Drive sustainability and social value outcomes, ensuring suppliers meet environmental, socio economic, and fair work commitments.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have either CIPS Level 4, 5 or 6 (Advanced/Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply) / or APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) / or APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) / or CMI Level 5 or 6 Diploma in Management & Leadership / or a CMI qualification in Ethical & Inclusive Leadership.
Experience
- Demonstrable experience in supplier management, contract management, procurement, or a similar role responsible for managing high‑value or high‑risk contracts.
- Demonstrable experience managing supplier performance, KPIs, and contract reviews.
Behaviours:
- Managing a Quality Service - Level 3
- Working Together - Level 3
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Sifting will commence from w/c 1st June 2026. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 15th June 2026, however this may be subject to change.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About us
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Our principal role is to administer the pensions for employees in the National Health Service, Teachers’, Police and Fire-fighters’ pension schemes in Scotland for over 640,000 key workers. The Agency administers these public service pension schemes on behalf of Scottish Ministers with an annual pension spend to over 200,000 pensioners to the value of more than £3.7 billion.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. You can also find out more about careers at the SPPA here - SPPA Careers | SPPA (pensions.gov.scot)
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options, with two days minimum working on site at SPPA. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further Information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Apply Before: 24th May 2026 (23:59) - This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only.
Supplier Manager employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their challenges and think about how you can add value. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supplier Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier management and contract performance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPS or APM.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you meet the experience and behaviours outlined in the job description. Keep it concise and focused on your achievements.
Be Honest About Your Experience: While it might be tempting to use AI tools for help, remember that all statements must be truthful and reflect your own experiences. Authenticity is key, so share your genuine insights and examples.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, do your homework on the suppliers you'll be managing. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they align with the SPPA's goals. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to build strong partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in supplier management and contract performance. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to manage KPIs and SLAs effectively. This will give the interviewers confidence in your capability to handle high-value contracts.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to resolve supplier issues or improve performance. Think of past situations where you successfully navigated challenges and be ready to share those stories. This shows your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Governance
Since compliance is crucial in this role, be ready to discuss how you've ensured adherence to contractual terms and legal requirements in your previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with risk management and ethical standards to show you're aligned with SPPA's values.