At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage strategic supplier relationships and drive commercial value for The AA.
- Company: Join The AA, a leading motoring organisation with a rich history and innovative future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Diverse learning opportunities and a supportive, inclusive work environment await you.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping supplier strategies and driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement expertise and excellent stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Company Description/ Business Unit
Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week)
Employment Type: Permanent, full time
Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance
Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again. For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Supplier & Commercial Manager means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.
Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change.
This is the job
As our Strategic Supplier & Commercial Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the AA gets the best possible value from its strategic supplier relationships. Working within our Procurement function, you’ll combine commercial thinking, supplier relationship management and strong business partnering to improve performance, unlock value and effectively manage commercial and supplier risk.
This is an influential role where you’ll work closely with senior stakeholders and strategic suppliers, taking ownership of complex commercial relationships and helping shape how we manage third party spend. You’ll bring external market insight, challenge established thinking and identify opportunities to improve cost, service, innovation and commercial outcomes across the AA.
What will I be doing?
- Own and develop relationships with strategic suppliers, leading regular business reviews and ensuring performance, risks, opportunities and improvement actions are effectively managed.
- Lead and support commercial activity across contract renewals, negotiations, amendments and supplier exits, protecting service continuity while delivering strong commercial outcomes.
- Identify and deliver opportunities for cost optimisation, efficiencies, revenue generation and wider value creation through existing and prospective supplier relationships.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to understand business priorities, shape sourcing and supplier strategies, and provide commercial insight that constructively challenges decision making.
- Monitor supplier performance through meaningful MI, KPIs and market intelligence, intervening where required and driving improvement and innovation with suppliers and internal teams.
- Support effective supplier governance and risk management, ensuring procurement policies, regulatory requirements and third-party governance obligations are consistently met.
What do I need?
- Strong commercial procurement expertise, with a solid understanding of strategic supplier management, sourcing, contracting and the wider procurement lifecycle.
- A track record of managing complex supplier relationships and using commercial levers, performance data and effective SRM practices to deliver tangible business value.
- Strong commercial negotiation capability, with the confidence to navigate complex contractual discussions, resolve challenges and constructively challenge suppliers and stakeholders.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the credibility to influence senior leaders and translate commercial or market insight into clear recommendations.
- A strong understanding of supplier governance and risk management, ideally gained within a regulated or similarly complex organisation.
- Commercial and analytical acumen, with the ability to interpret spend and financial information, including OPEX and CAPEX, and use data to support effective decision making.
Additional information
We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
- Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
- Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
- Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
- Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
- Company funded life assurance
- Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
- Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
- Plus, so much more!
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.
Strategic Supplier & Commercial Manager in Basingstoke employer: The AA
At The AA, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a structured development programme for Trainee Mobile Mechanics in Birmingham. With a starting salary of £28,000 and opportunities for pay increases as you progress, our supportive work culture fosters hands-on training and mentorship from experienced colleagues, ensuring you have the tools to build a rewarding long-term career in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Supplier & Commercial Manager in Basingstoke
✨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 The AA.
✨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 Strategic Supplier & Commercial Manager in Basingstoke
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 The AA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The AA. 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 The AA.
How to prepare for a job interview at The AA
✨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 The AA!
✨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 The AA. 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 The AA's culture.
