At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage IT suppliers, ensuring they meet performance and contractual commitments.
- Company: Sword, a leader in business technology solutions across various sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personalised career development, flexible working, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage all applicants to apply, regardless of background.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving transformational change through innovative technology solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the governance, oversight, and effective management of third‑party suppliers supporting the IT function.
- This role ensures that suppliers deliver against contractual commitments, provide value for money, and align with organisational objectives.
- Maintain and manage the IT supplier portfolio, ensuring accurate supplier records and clear ownership.
- Oversee supplier performance, tracking delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and contractual commitments.
- Lead monthly service review meetings, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
- Establish and facilitate supplier feedback forums to strengthen collaboration and service quality.
- Support effective management of the IT budget, ensuring efficient and value‑driven spend.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and specifications, enabling appropriate sourcing of goods and services.
- Manage and resolve supplier‑related issues, ensuring timely escalation and resolution.
- Ensure suppliers deliver in line with agreed contractual obligations and performance expectations.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in supplier/vendor management within an IT environment.
- Strong understanding of IT service delivery and contract management.
- Ability to manage supplier performance and hold vendors accountable.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness with a focus on cost optimisation and value delivery.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary.
- Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
- Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work‑life balance.
- A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family‑friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well‑being, and insurance schemes.
Equal Opportunity
At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.
IT Supplier Relationship Manager employer: Sword Group
Sword is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. With a strong focus on flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance while pursuing their career aspirations in the thriving sectors of Energy, Public, and Finance. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values innovation and collaboration, ensuring that your contributions make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Supplier Relationship Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an IT Supplier Relationship Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their business model and how they manage supplier relationships. This will help you showcase your knowledge and demonstrate that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of managing supplier performance and driving accountability. A confident delivery can make all the difference in landing that job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Supplier Relationship Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Supplier Relationship Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier management and IT service delivery, and don’t forget to showcase your communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our goals at Sword. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage suppliers effectively. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve added value in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sword Group
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, do your homework on the suppliers relevant to the role. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they align with the company's objectives. This will show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in engaging with stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated and collaborated with different teams. This is crucial for the IT Supplier Relationship Manager role, so highlight your ability to build strong relationships.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Familiarise yourself with cost optimisation strategies and value delivery in supplier management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets effectively in the past and how you can contribute to the company’s financial goals.
✨Prepare for Performance Metrics
Understand key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) that are relevant to supplier management. Be ready to talk about how you’ve tracked supplier performance and driven improvements in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to excellence.
