Supplier Relationship Manager - Home based with national travel, Solihull

Skills, Experience and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of establishing a supply chain and managing large number of suppliers effectively. (Essential)
• Extensive experience in commercial negotiations within a property supply chain context. (Essential)
• Competent and confident in the use of MS Office, Excel and Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems.  Proficient in using Management Information (MI) tools and acting on the information obtained from these tools.
• Excellent analytical and evaluation skills including commercial reviews.
• Excellent time management skills, capable of managing multiple tasks and controlling costs to deliver results within budget and deadlines.
• Experienced communicator able to interact at all levels, negotiate, and challenge contractors/suppliers to achieve the best business results.
• Excellent written communication skills, competent in producing business correspondence.
• Solution-focused with a strong ability to solve problems efficiently.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to positively influence and motivate others.
• High levels of integrity and the ability to act effectively in challenging situations.
• Skilled in preparing and delivering presentations and adapting them for all audiences.

Purpose of the Role:

As a Supplier Relationship Manager, you will play a crucial role in developing and managing strategic supplier relationships to drive business success. Your primary responsibility will be ensuring successful engagement with our supply chain framework and overseeing all property supply chain activities. Time, cost, and quality are fundamental to our operations, supporting our sites and enabling our Operations team to focus on our guests while we handle property activities. Your role is to ensure our supply chain performs optimally and to work in partnership to achieve outstanding results.

You will collaborate closely with key departments across the business, including Construction, Health & Safety, Facilities Management, Procurement and our Operational teams. You will liaise with our network of contractors to ensure we meet key performance criteria and deliver the appropriate levels of service.

Additionally, you will support the implementation and review of our Property category plan, which includes annual tenders across various categories such as hard services and assets, soft services, and professional services. The ability to constructively challenge existing practices and drive improvements while maintaining positive stakeholder relationships is essential.

You will be directly responsible for monitoring and measuring supplier performance, as well as onboarding and offboarding suppliers. Strong communication skills are crucial for success in this role, along with the ability to analyse data and produce high-quality reports to support change initiatives and ensure our standards and expectations are met.

Key Responsibilities – Duties and Responsibilities:

Manage Key Contracts and Suppliers:

• Oversee the operational delivery of multiple key contracts and suppliers within the Property team, including Construction, Compliance, Health & Safety, Facilities Management, and Professional Services.

Communication:

• Maintain regular communication with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers to build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Address and resolve any conflicts or issues that arise between the organisation and suppliers.
• Foster strategic partnerships with key suppliers to drive innovation and mutual growth.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Work closely with internal colleagues and teams to ensure alignment and effective supplier management.
• Collect and act on feedback from internal stakeholders regarding supplier performance and service.

Conduct Supplier Performance Reviews:

• Regularly review supplier performance based on agreed metrics to ensure they meet required standards.

Category Plan Delivery:

• Collaborate with the cost management team to ensure the effective creation and delivery of the category plan.

Provide Performance Updates:

• Offer regular updates on the performance of key categories to both internal and external stakeholders.

Develop Contract Mobilisation Plans:

• Create and implement mobilisation plans for new contracts to ensure smooth transitions and effective implementation.

Handle Escalations:

• Act as the main point of contact for resolving significant performance or contractual issues within the supply chain.

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days annual leave
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
• Pension
• Vitality Healthcare
• Opt in dental insurance programme
• Annual bonus scheme
• The Stonegate discount card offering discounts across our managed estate
• Online benefits portal offering discounts across the High Street and other retailers