Technical Supplier Manager in Gloucester

UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education. UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers. We’re a successful and fast‑growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We’re committed to delivering a first‑class service to all of our customers — they’re at the heart of everything we do.

The Digital Services business unit is at the heart of UCAS’ technical innovation, data and infrastructure. It focuses on leveraging data science, technology, and enterprise architecture to enhance UCAS' digital products and services. The unit is dedicated to developing and improving customer‑centric digital solutions, ensuring seamless and secure online experiences for all users. By providing insightful data and analysis, often made available to anyone with a free‑to‑use intuitive dashboard, Digital Services empowers the Higher Education sector and those interested in the sector with valuable information to make informed decisions. By working in collaborative, expert‑led, multi‑disciplinary teams, Digital Services drives UCAS’ mission to connect students with their next opportunities through advanced technological solutions.

About The Role – Contractual Hours 35 hours per week.

To ensure that supplier performance consistently meets the targets that have been mutually agreed upon. This is achieved by monitoring the delivery of services, resolving instances of underperformance, managing any contractual disputes that may arise, and continuously driving improvements in service provision.

Key accountabilities

• Ownership of Process Design, Governance, and Performance: Take full responsibility for the design, ongoing governance, and monitoring of the Supplier Management process to ensure effectiveness and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Contract Compliance: Ensure that all supplier contracts fulfil both business and service requirements, and that these contracts receive the necessary formal approvals.
• Performance Monitoring: Regularly track and measure supplier performance against agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Supplier Service Review Meetings: Organise and conduct formal review meetings with suppliers, ensuring that the outcomes of these discussions are accurately documented.
• Action Routing and Follow‑Through: Direct any agreed actions arising from supplier review meetings to the appropriate teams, and ensure these actions are completed as required.
• Dispute and Escalation Management: Maintain formal records of all contractual disputes and escalations, and manage these issues in accordance with established processes.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• ITIL v4 Foundation (Required)
• ITIL v4 Managing Professional (Desirable)
• Experience with supplier performance tools and contract management systems
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Autonomy – plans and manages own work within a clear framework
• Influence – influences teams and stakeholders; may supervise others
• Complexity – handles complex, varied work across environments
• Business skills – communicates fluently, facilitates collaboration, understands business context.

Package

• Salary – up to £60,000
• Purpose‑driven work in a charity‑led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity.
• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry‑recognised certifications through our development academies.
• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35‑hour week and flexible contracts.
• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools.
• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office.
• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders.
• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex‑gratia bonus for going above and beyond.

Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still apply.

If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via careers@ucas.ac.uk and one of us will be in touch.

Working Arrangements: Is fully remote working an option? No.