Supplier Relationship Manager (Contracts Manager)

Supplier Relationship Manager (Contracts Manager)

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and oversee legal services contracts for a leading regulator.
  • Company: Join the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the largest legal regulator in England and Wales.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative work environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving value and efficiency in legal service contracts.
  • Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong financial acumen required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

We are looking for a proactive and commercially-minded Supplier Relationship Manager to lead in overseeing our external legal services contracts.

What's in it for you:

  • Make a significant contribution in driving value for money in one of our largest operational areas.
  • Showcase your financial management and supplier management skills in managing legal services contracts for the largest legal regulator in England and Wales.
  • Be the key liaison with our external legal suppliers.
  • Enjoy a collaborative and purposeful working environment.

The role:

Sitting at the heart of our legal operations, you will be responsible for ensuring that supplier relationships are well-managed, performance is tightly monitored, and contracts deliver value, quality, and compliance. With your proven experience in financial management of contracts, you will take ownership of legal spend tracking, forecasting, and reporting, supporting the organisation in making informed decisions. You will lead supplier performance reviews, tackle issues head-on, and champion continuous improvement — always looking for ways to enhance services, reduce risk, and drive better value for money. You will manage the full lifecycle of our legal services agreements – from the early stages of tendering and negotiation, right through to day-to-day performance monitoring, renewals, and contract close-out. Working closely with both external legal providers and our internal legal and procurement teams, you will ensure that services are delivered to a high standard, on time, and within budget.

What we are looking for:

  • A proven track record in the life cycle of complex contract management.
  • A track record of delivering strong performance management and efficiencies within the supply chain.
  • Proven experience in the financial management of contracts such as managing complex purchase orders and assessing contract costs against budget.
  • An ability to interpret and use Excel and turn complex data sets into summaries to enable management decisions.
  • An ability to make clear judgements based on contract risk and business considerations, in order to identify key issues and appropriate solutions.
  • Strong communication (orally and in writing) skills, with the ability to create effective working partnerships with external and internal stakeholders.
  • Excellent drafting skills, with demonstrable experience of producing contract management documentation.

This role can be based from our Birmingham, Cardiff or London office. We operate on a hybrid working model which means working 1-2 days a week in the office, and the rest of the week from home. If you are based from a location other than Birmingham, you are likely to be in our Birmingham office 2 days a month to interact with key stakeholders.

To apply: Please click 'apply' to complete the online application form and upload a CV and cover letter, addressing how you meet the requirements of the role. The Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages. Closing date for applications is 15 December 09:00. Interviews are anticipated to take place in early-mid January 2026.

Supplier Relationship Manager (Contracts Manager) employer: Solicitors Regulation Authority

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of governance in the legal sector. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees benefit from close collaboration with senior leaders and exposure to strategic decision-making processes. The SRA promotes a supportive culture that values attention to detail and effective communication, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in Birmingham or London.

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Contact Details:

Solicitors Regulation Authority Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Supplier Relationship Manager (Contracts Manager)

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

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Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

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We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Relationship Manager (Contracts Manager)

Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Management
Financial Management
Performance Monitoring
Data Analysis
Excel Proficiency
Risk Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Solicitors Regulation Authority, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Solicitors Regulation Authority and the specific role of Supplier Relationship Manager (Contracts Manager). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Solicitors Regulation Authority’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Solicitors Regulation Authority

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Solicitors Regulation Authority.