Supplier Relationship Manager in Reading

Supplier Relationship Manager in Reading

Reading Full-Time 51600 - 77400 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
SSE PLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and develop relationships with suppliers to ensure a sustainable supply chain.
  • Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and wellness perks like free online GP access.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive team dedicated to growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while championing sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong relationship management skills required.

The predicted salary is between 51600 - 77400 £ per year.

Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations: Reading, Havant, Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen or Inverness.

Salary: £51600 - £77400 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.

The role involves managing, developing, and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships between SSEN Distribution and our Supply Chain. With a proven track record in successful relationship or account management, you will help to embed a robust, resilient and sustainable supply chain for SSEN Distribution.

You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to jointly develop plans aligned to achievement of our business plan outputs and regulatory commitments for investment in network infrastructure investment and services. You will be proactive in ensuring our senior leadership team can engage effectively with their key supply chain counterparts, developing structured, collaborative relationships which enable safe, timely delivery and meet our cost, quality and sustainability standards.

Demonstrating a passion for sustainable supply chain delivery, you will support Sustainability colleagues to implement and assure our suppliers’ commitment, adoption and compliance for our Sustainable Supplier Code. The successful candidate will have a key role in embedding and enhancing SRM strategy, concepts and skills across SSEN Distribution. Leading these changes, you will role model and champion new ways of working and seek to continuously improve procurement and commercial policy and processes.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of end-to-end procurement and supply chain life-cycle processes with a focus on strategic relationship management and post-contract supplier performance. You will have the capability and previous experience of engaging and influencing senior internal stakeholders to work collaboratively with strategic and business critical suppliers. A clear appreciation of Procurement and Commercial’s role in enabling resilient and sustainable supply chains is essential.

You will need strong communication, teamworking and collaboration skills. You will be self-motivated and resilient, with the capability to take a lead role in successfully planning, implementing and embedding change and new ways of working.

About SSE: SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. Our Procurement & Commercial teams help us get the best service and value from partners, while ensuring suppliers meet compliance, contractual and business obligations.

Flexible benefits to fit your life include discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships, wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service, interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme, as well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

We are an equal opportunity employer and will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Supplier Relationship Manager in Reading employer: SSE PLC

SSE plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexible working patterns in a dynamic hybrid environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to generous benefits and opportunities for growth within the energy sector, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to impactful energy infrastructure projects.

SSE PLC

Contact Details:

SSE PLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Supplier Relationship 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 SSE PLC.

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 Relationship Manager in Reading

Supplier Relationship Management
Account Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Relationship Management
Post-Contract Supplier Performance
Procurement and Supply Chain Knowledge
Communication Skills

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 SSE PLC:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SSE PLC. 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 SSE PLC.

How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC

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 SSE PLC!

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 SSE PLC. 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 SSE PLC's culture.