Vendor Manager

Vendor Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure smooth procurement for our UK operations.
  • Company: Join Tata Steel, a top global steel producer with a diverse workforce.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days holiday, bonus scheme, and private healthcare.
  • Other info: Enjoy extensive lifestyle benefits and excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a sustainable company making a positive impact on the future.
  • Qualifications: Experience in vendor management and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference.

We’re looking for a Vendor Manager to join our Substrate Procurement team and play a key role in managing supplier relationships that keep our UK operations running smoothly.

What you will do

  • Developing and maintaining relationships with key suppliers of steel substrate.
  • Ensuring that our procurement service is cost effective, reliable and adds real value to our business units across the UK.
  • Leading supplier engagement, tenders and negotiations.
  • Managing and reviewing contracts, purchase orders and service level agreements.
  • Monitoring supplier performance and driving improvements.
  • Conducting supplier visits and reporting on outcomes.
  • Working closely with stakeholders across Supply Chain, Technical, Legal, Finance and Commercial teams.
  • Using market intelligence to shape sourcing strategies and secure supply.

What you will need

  • Proven experience in supplier or vendor management, ideally within a complex or technical industry.
  • Excellent negotiation, influencing and relationship management skills.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage at senior levels.
  • Organisational and project management ability to handle multiple priorities.
  • A degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) – professional membership is desirable.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building long-term, strategic supplier partnerships and has the confidence to represent Tata Steel externally.

What we can offer you

  • A market competitive salary
  • 35 days holidays per annum
  • Annual Pay Review
  • Bonus Scheme – subject to business performance
  • Ongoing Tata Steel training, which has built a reputation as one of the best within the industry
  • Private Healthcare Scheme (Individual cover)
  • One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)

We also have an extensive list of lifestyle benefits including free onsite parking at all of our sites, an employee assistance programme as well as Employee discount scheme for companies including Vodafone, Jaguar Land Rover and also various local services.

Why us?

Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We’re part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea. Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuously improving our performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today. Tata Steel in the UK is committed to our ambition of reducing energy consumption and to becoming a carbon neutral steelmaker by 2045.

Vendor Manager employer: Tata Steel

Tata Steel UK is an exceptional employer that values diversity and fosters a collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Vendor Manager to thrive. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and extensive training opportunities, employees are supported in their professional growth while enjoying a range of lifestyle benefits. Located in the UK, Tata Steel is committed to sustainability and innovation, providing a meaningful and rewarding environment for those looking to make a positive impact in the steel industry.
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Contact Detail:

Tata Steel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Vendor Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Vendor Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and are ready to take the next step in your career.

We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Manager

Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Performance Monitoring
Stakeholder Engagement
Market Intelligence
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Organisational Skills
Project Management
Influencing Skills
Strategic Sourcing
Problem-Solving Skills
Degree-Level Qualification or Equivalent Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vendor Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier management and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for working with us at Tata Steel!

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your negotiation and relationship management skills. We love seeing quantifiable results that show how you've made a difference in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tata Steel

✨Know Your Suppliers

Before the interview, research the key suppliers that Tata Steel works with. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, and think about how you can enhance those relationships. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.

✨Master Negotiation Scenarios

Prepare for common negotiation scenarios you might face as a Vendor Manager. Think about past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. Be ready to share these examples during the interview to demonstrate your skills.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since this role requires strong communication and presentation skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a short presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to engage at senior levels.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with Tata Steel's sustainability goals and how they impact procurement strategies. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to these objectives will set you apart and show that you align with the company's values.

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