Job Description

Supplier Relationship Management Lead

We are recruiting for a Supplier Relationship Management Lead on an interim basis until the end of July 2025.

The Supplier Relationship Management Lead is responsible for providing supplier relationship management (SRM) and supplier development leadership, including the provision of support to Commercial / Contract Managers responsible for 'Strategic' and 'Important' SRM suppliers. The role will also be responsible for the development and implementation of SRM Framework activities that identify and deliver relationship benefits/value to supplier.

As a Supplier Relationship Management Lead, you will need to have/be:

Analytical Skills including the use of Excel to understand and analyse supplier information.

Commercial awareness and negotiating skills

Communication skills - the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing including the writing of reports and delivery of presentation.

Influencing - the ability to liaise and influence internal and external decision makers.

Team management - the ability to set objectives and review performance to ensure that team members have the necessary understanding to deliver the team's objectives.

Ability to use Microsoft applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Understanding of applying Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) intervention activities / arrangements to enhance supplier performance.

Knowledge of working with or for publicly funded bodies, including central government departments.

Understanding of government initiatives and policies with ability to assess relevancy and defend applicability.

Knowledge of large projects or working within/under a similar matrix organisational structure.

Membership of (or to be currently working towards) the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) or equivalents e.g. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

Experience of stakeholder and Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Development in both the public and private sector.

Experience of public speaking or acting in an ambassadorial role at external conferences, seminars, workshops and working groups.

Experience of establishing operational effectiveness in a matrix structure, Experience of managing projects and/or multiple workstreams to time, cost and quality requirements.

Experience of contract management of technical services contracts using the NEC3 form of contract and Utilities Contract Regulations.Details:

Rate: £675.00 - £750.00 per day (inside IR35)

Working Hours: Full time Monday - Friday

Location: Hybrid, Birmingham (2 days per week)

Duration: Until end of July 2025Role of Supplier Relationship Management Lead:

To be accountable for developing the approach to Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Development and ensuring that this approach is implemented across the organisation, whilst and establishing a culture of building excellent Supplier relationships built on trust and openness that enhance the organisations reputation in the marketplace.

To be accountable for developing and deploying a framework and Target Operating Model for Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Development, reflecting the matrix organisational design where Commercial/Contract Management, Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Development are discharged both centrally and in functional areas.

To be responsible for providing leadership and give strategic direction across the company's Commercial / Contract Management, Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Development activities to ensure consistency of supplier management in our contracts.

To be responsible for the development and implementation of policies, plans, training material, processes and procedures to support Commercial/Contract Management, Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Development which are consistent with legislation and government policies.

To be responsible for overseeing a coordinated and collaborative approach working within Department for Transport and Cabinet Office guidelines and approvals.

To be responsible for leading commercial and process reviews of contracts, Supplier Relationship Management and Supplier Development activities to ensure that a commercial approach is applied to deliver value for money and consistency across the organisation whilst identifying areas of inconsistent supplier performance or compliance and establishing intervention/ development plans where behaviour, culture or performance is below benchmarks.

To be responsible for working with the Governance and Assurance (Compliance) team to support Conflict of Interest process and reporting of the company's key (SRM Strategic and Important) suppliers.

To be responsible for acting as the lead interface to provide ongoing operational support, guidance and subject matter expertise at key stages of the life cycle to other teams across the organisation