Job Title: Senior Supplier Contracts Manager
Reports to: Deputy Head of Procurement
Direct Reports: 3 x Supplier Contract Managers
Work Location: Southampton, 2 days p/w
Role Purpose
The Senior Supplier Contracts Manager is a commercially focused and strategic leader responsible for supplier management, commercial contract oversight, and ensuring compliance across various categories of organizational spend. This role includes setting strategy, driving best practices in contract management, fostering strong supplier relationships, and ensuring maximum value and efficiency are achieved from all supplier contracts. The manager will work in close collaboration with category leads to embed lessons learned into future procurement strategies.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic Contract Management (55%)
* Develop and lead contract management best practices, driving continuous improvement and value for money from key contracts.
* Establish measures to effectively manage key supplier relationships.
* Lead a team responsible for contract implementation, supplier relationship management, and contract closures, working closely with stakeholders.
* Provide advice, guidance, and support as a centre of excellence for operational contract managers outside the central team.
* Supplier Relationship Management (20%)
* Conduct regular reviews with supplier account managers for strategic contracts to ensure service level agreements (SLA) and key performance indicators (KPI) are met.
* Address performance issues and ensure alignment of contract objectives with organizational values.
* Ensure compliance with internal finance regulations and procurement policies.
* Contract Oversight and Reporting (10%)
* Monitor and report on organization-wide contract expenditure, minimizing contract leakage.
* Prepare and present management information that highlights the benefits achieved through effective contract management.
* Utilize management information to inform business decisions, policies, and behaviour changes.
* Catalogue and Supplier Compliance (5%)
* Oversee supplier catalogues, ensuring their content meets organizational needs and drives best practices.
* Promote compliance with catalogues to enhance operational efficiency and streamline business processes.
* Provide professional oversight of supplier master files and the supplier setup process.
* Supplier Engagement (5%)
* Organize and lead supplier engagement events to raise awareness of corporate contracts and support supply base development.
* Promote opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other suppliers to engage with the organization.
* Additional Responsibilities (5%)
* Carry out other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation.
Key Relationships
* Collaborate within an integrated team, adopting shared priorities and fostering effective teamwork.
* Engage externally with key suppliers to enhance partnerships and performance.
* Build strong internal relationships with stakeholders across departments.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience
* Professional qualification or postgraduate degree (e.g., MCIPS) or equivalent experience.
* Extensive experience in supplier and contracts management, demonstrating strategic oversight and delivering measurable outcomes.
* Proven ability to design and implement contract strategies informed by data analysis.
* Knowledge of procurement and contract management within large, complex organizations.
Desirable Qualifications
* MCIPS certification.
* Familiarity with Public Procurement Regulations.
Skills and Competencies
* Leadership: Strong ability to lead teams, plan strategically, and motivate others to achieve deadlines.
* Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail.
* Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset, capable of resolving complex contractual challenges.
* Organizational: Ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously, balancing priorities effectively.
* Inclusivity: Demonstrated commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.