Job Title:-Commercial Manager Duration:-26 weeks Location:- Reading Rate:-£370per day UMBRELLA Job Summary: Responsible for managing a portfolio of vendors with the objective of ensuring all services provided by our vendors are fit-for-purpose and cost effective. Where appropriate in-line with ITIL best practice. Working in conjunction with the internal stakeholders, with the objective of ensuring that the services provided, by our vendors, are managed and measured according to the agreed contractual commitments. To drive continuous service improvement, for the benefit of Virgin Media O2, is a key responsibility of this role. To act as a single point of contact for any vendor issues and to own any initiatives to improve any performance issues. Ensure that all financial aspects (i.e. budgeting, purchase orders etc.) of the relationship are managed efficiently and effectively and do not impact the provision of services in anyway. Job Responsibilities: To co-ordinate and service manage, in-line with ITIL best practice where appropriate, a portfolio of vendors to ensure that they perform against set criteria / KPI’s, as set out in the relevant contract.To ensure that the services provided by the vendors is fit-for-purpose and delivers against Virgin Media O2’s requirements. To own the content of all service schedules (contracts) ensuring that any updates or changes are reflected once agreed and signed-off as part of our contractual governance procedures. Develop SMART KPI’s that measure the performance of our vendors ensuring that any contracted services are fit-for-purpose and value for money. Continually review the contracts and the services with internal stakeholders to ensure that Virgin Media O2 get value for money; that the services are delivered in-line with the terms stated and to the satisfaction of our internal customers. Chair regular vendor Review Meetings with the support of stakeholders with our vendors account team to report and review their performance. The main focus of the meeting will be on their overall performance in delivery of services and compliance to the relevant contracts. Act as a point of contact for our internal stakeholders in regards to any vendor related issue, where needed drive service improvement plans with the various stakeholders and escalate internally and externally when performance is impacting Virgin Media O2. Build relationships with the internal groups within Virgin Media O2 to ensure the any agreements for specific vendors are fully communicated, understood and accessible to our internal stakeholders. Work within the vendor management team in building a vendor plan that targets all aspects of services provided by Virgin Media O2’s vendors to drive performance for the benefit of Virgin Media O2. This will include, but not limited to, the continuous improvement of the vendors services, cost reduction, cost avoidance, in-source/outsource options and joint initiatives with other external companies. Ensure any necessary purchase orders, for your portfolio of vendors, are in place for payment of services in-line with the terms of the contract. To build relationships and working practices to work “hand in glove” with procurement, finance & legal ensuring that all processes follow the company governance requirements. Assist the Procurement team in collating information for benchmarking vendors support pricing to ensure that costs are in-line with industry standards and provide value for money. Act as a services support as part of any procurement activity (such as RFI’s etc.), ensuring that any new vendor are rigorously assessed against their capabilities to provide services to Virgin Media O2. Take ownership of any requirement to define support and maintenance schedules as part of any selection process. Working with internal stakeholders to develop schedules based on their requirements that ensure Virgin Media O2 receive cost effective services. Develop relationships with Virgin Media O2’s third-party vendors that are based on our core values; we behave with integrity, honesty, respect and empathy for all. Treating others as they would like to be treated and valuing everyone’s contribution Own and track all poor performing vendors to ensure that any contractual remedies are in-forced and claimed as per the terms of any agreement. Work with finance and domain owners to understand the budget expenditure for all the services and vendors in your portfolio Generate the required reports focusing on specific vendor development and plans, taking into account Virgin Media O2 needs, market trends and vendor capability Key Requirements: Qualifications Degree level or equivalent in a Vendor Management related qualification covering business studies, finance, sourcing and service management, or demonstrable experience within a similar environments. Experience 3 years proven experience in Telecoms, Cable or similar industry. Management of a variety of size of vendors delivering mixed services, from support contracts through to outsource service contracts. Experience and appreciation of working in a customer focused environment essential. Process definition and implementation experience Strong PC Skills Proven ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written) with internal and external audiences at all levels Flexible and tenacious approach to work Commercial acumen. Personal attributes Ability to interface at the most senior levels (Director, CIO, COO…) internally and externally within CIO, Procurement, finance, customer groups or peer operator groups. Strong relationship building, collaboration and influencing skills. Energy and passion to achieve and exceed stretching objectives often delivering within tight timescales. High personal integrity and strong leadership qualities. Flexible in approach to work and able to perform under pressure. Able to dynamically respond to both strategic and tactical operational management requirements. Have the courage to deal with internal and external customers, including management, senior management in achieving the goals of the team and Virgin Media O2