At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of IT suppliers, ensuring effective governance and performance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking financial services company focused on innovation and resilience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, competitive bonuses, pension contributions, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping supplier relationships and driving value in IT services.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex IT suppliers and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
About the Role
Lead Supplier Relationship Manager responsible for overseeing a portfolio of 30+ IT suppliers across core banking, platforms, payments, infrastructure, networks, telecoms, cloud, SaaS, data, cyber and managed services. The role is part of the Third‑Party Target Operating Model, focused on embedding governance, clarifying accountabilities, and ensuring consistent and effective supplier oversight.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Accountable Director and Category Management on supplier strategy, leading governance for your supplier portfolio, providing oversight and challenge across performance, risk and value.
- Shape and embed supplier management frameworks that enable resilient service delivery, clear ownership and improved transparency, supporting operational resilience and regulatory expectations including incident management and third‑party risk obligations.
- Lead a small team of Supplier Relationship Managers (2 FTE), focusing on coaching, quality assurance of SRM outputs and managing escalations and executive‑facing supplier issues.
- Work closely with the Director of IT and their leadership team, and stakeholders across Procurement, Third‑Party Risk, Legal, Compliance, Operational Resilience, Architecture, Data and AI; engage senior and executive‑level contacts within key suppliers.
- Report to the Senior Manager, Supplier Relationship Management.
About you
You will bring experience managing complex IT suppliers within a regulated environment, comfortable operating at senior level with a strong focus on assurance, governance and value. Likely experience from one or more of the following:
- IT‑facing supplier relationship management roles
- Procurement or commercial roles closely aligned to technology
- Operational supplier management roles with significant IT exposure
You have experience working with large technology vendors across software, hardware, cloud and on‑prem environments; outsourced IT services experience is advantageous. A working understanding of third‑party risk management within financial services, including operational resilience and incident management expectations, is a significant benefit. You are confident influencing senior stakeholders, providing constructive challenge, and handling difficult conversations without owning delivery or technical decision‑making.
Success in this role looks like
- Improved service stability and transparency across IT suppliers
- Clearer accountability between IT, SRM and third parties
- Stronger commercial leverage across the IT supply base
- Measurable value and innovation delivered through supplier relationships
Benefits
- Holiday: 25 days plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
- Bonus: On target bonus of 7% of eligible pay, with the opportunity to earn up to a maximum of 15%.
- Pension: Contribution up to 11% into your YBS pension.
- Healthcare: Access to private medical insurance, dental and healthcare plans.
- My Benefits: Self‑service benefits portal offering a range of retail, hospitality and health discounts.
Lead Supplier Relationship Manager - IT employer: Yorkshire Building Society
As a Lead Supplier Relationship Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive training opportunities and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our IT supplier landscape. Located in a vibrant area, we provide competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and access to private healthcare, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Supplier Relationship Manager - IT
✨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 a Lead 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 those interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their governance frameworks and be ready to discuss how you can improve service stability and transparency. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can add real value!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and connect with the right people. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right eyes.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Supplier Relationship Manager - IT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Lead Supplier Relationship Manager. Highlight your experience with IT suppliers and governance frameworks, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage complex relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around supplier management and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:In this role, you'll need to influence senior stakeholders and handle tough conversations. Make sure to highlight your communication skills and any examples where you've successfully navigated challenging situations in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Building Society
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, dive deep into the suppliers you'll be managing. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they fit into the overall IT landscape. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take on the role.
✨Showcase Governance Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience with governance frameworks and how you've implemented them in past roles. Highlight specific examples where you've improved supplier oversight or managed risks effectively, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share stories of challenging conversations you've navigated successfully, as this will showcase your ability to handle difficult discussions without stepping on toes.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a small team, it's important to convey your leadership style. Share examples of how you've coached team members or managed escalations, focusing on how you foster collaboration and quality assurance in supplier relationship management.
