At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong supplier relationships and ensure business stability in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on supplier performance and resilience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, travel expenses covered, and a chance to shape supplier management.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving supplier reliability and operational stability from day one.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing supply chains and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
If you have ever looked at a supplier base and thought this feels exposed, this is the role where you get to do something about it. This is not a traditional procurement role. It is about understanding suppliers properly, building the right relationships, and making sure the business is not left vulnerable when things go wrong. Joining a manufacturing environment where supplier performance, stability and resilience really matter, you will step into a newly created role with genuine scope to make an impact from day one. You will take ownership of supplier relationships across a broad and varied supply chain, working closely with internal teams to ensure suppliers are reliable, capable and fit for purpose. A key part of the role will be understanding where the current risks sit, reviewing supplier performance and resilience, and helping put the right plans in place to protect continuity of supply.
What you will be doing:
- Developing a clear view of supplier capability, performance and risk exposure
- Identifying single-source dependencies, capacity constraints and vulnerabilities across the supply base
- Putting mitigation plans in place, including dual sourcing, supplier development or replacement
- Building and managing relationships with key suppliers, acting as the main point of escalation where required
- Establishing structure and governance around supplier performance and accountability
- Driving improvements in quality, delivery and overall supplier reliability
- Leading supplier-focused projects that improve continuity, reduce risk and strengthen operational stability
- Working closely with planning, procurement, quality, operations and logistics teams to ensure alignment
- Supporting a longer-term approach to supplier strategy, ensuring the supply base is resilient and fit for future growth
What we’re looking for:
- Background in a manufacturing or engineering‑led supply chain environment
- Experience working with suppliers beyond transactional buying
- Strong understanding of supplier performance, risk, development or continuity
- Comfortable working across a broad range of suppliers including electronics, mechanical and general manufacturing
- Able to assess supplier capability and make informed decisions around suitability and risk
- Experience supporting or leading improvement or change initiatives
This role is better aligned to someone with a supplier quality, supplier development or operational supply chain background rather than a purely procurement‑led profile. You will be personable, approachable and professional, with the credibility to build strong relationships while still challenging where needed. You will be comfortable taking a broad view, working across teams and operating with a high level of autonomy.
What you can expect in return:
- Salary up to £45,000 depending on experience + benefits
- Hybrid working with 3 days on site and 2 from home
- Approximately 50% UK travel
- Expenses covered, including mileage and accommodation where required
- A newly created role with the opportunity to shape how supplier relationships are managed
- A collaborative environment where practical, solutions‑focused thinking is valued
If this sounds like the kind of role where you can genuinely make a difference, I would be keen to speak with you. Please apply or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Supplier Relationship Manager employer: The One
As a Supplier Relationship Manager in our dynamic manufacturing environment, you will thrive in a collaborative culture that values practical, solutions-focused thinking. With a competitive salary and hybrid working options, you will have the opportunity to shape supplier management strategies while enjoying significant travel opportunities across the UK. We are committed to your professional growth, providing a platform for you to make a meaningful impact from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Relationship Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in supplier performance and risk management. Share specific examples of how you've improved supplier relationships or mitigated risks in past roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can make an impact from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you're interested in, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website or LinkedIn. Express your interest in their supplier relationship management needs and how you can contribute. It shows initiative and could lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company's supply chain challenges. Research their suppliers and think about how you can help improve their performance and resilience. Tailor your responses to show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in their organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Relationship Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Supplier Relationship Manager. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and any relevant projects you've led that demonstrate your ability to assess risk and improve performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about building strong supplier relationships and how your background in manufacturing or engineering aligns with our needs. Be personable and professional!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that showcase your understanding of supplier performance and risk management. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don't hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The One
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, do your homework on the suppliers relevant to the role. Understand their capabilities, performance metrics, and any recent news about them. This will show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the supplier landscape.
✨Showcase Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and managed relationships with suppliers in the past. Highlight your approach to communication and collaboration, as this role is all about fostering strong connections.
✨Demonstrate Risk Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you identify and mitigate risks within a supply chain. Share specific strategies or frameworks you’ve used to assess supplier vulnerabilities and ensure continuity of supply.
✨Align with Internal Teams
Illustrate your experience working cross-functionally with teams like procurement, quality, and operations. Discuss how you’ve facilitated alignment and driven improvements in supplier performance through collaboration.
