IT Supplier Manager | Digital Information | Hybrid | Contract

Empiric; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Empiric seeks an experienced IT Supplier Manager to lead supplier relationships, negotiate contracts and govern performance within a highly regulated defence/aerospace setting.

You will shape supplier strategy, ensure alignment with technology roadmaps, and drive commercial value while managing SLAs, KPIs and risk across multiple suppliers. Strong background in procurement, governance and IT service management is required, with DV/SC clearance considerations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in IT supplier management, vendor management, supplier relationship management, procurement or commercial management.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in contract negotiation, supplier governance and performance management.
• Understanding of IT service management, SLAs, KPIs, risk management and supplier lifecycle processes.
• Experience within Defence, Aerospace, MOD, Defence Digital or another highly regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT supplier management strategies aligned with technology roadmaps and objectives.
• Manage the supplier lifecycle: sourcing, procurement, contract negotiations, renewals and offboarding.
• Monitor supplier performance against SLAs, KPIs and commitments; lead reviews and drive improvements.
• Manage supplier risks, service issues, compliance and commercial performance; identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Build relationships across Digital Information, Procurement, Finance, Service Management and external suppliers.

Skills

IT supplier management

Vendor management

Supplier relationship management

Procurement

Commercial management

Contract negotiation

Governance

Performance management

IT service management

SLAs/KPIs

Risk management

Education

ITIL Certification

CIPS Certification

Job description

I'm currently supporting a leading defence and aerospace programme in the search for an experienced IT Supplier Manager to support technology supplier relationships, commercial activities and IT service performance within a highly regulated environment.

This is an opportunity to work on critical aerospace programmes, helping shape supplier strategy, drive commercial value and ensure IT service providers deliver against agreed contractual commitments, SLAs and KPIs.

This is not a traditional Project or Programme Management role. We're looking for someone with a strong background in IT supplier management, vendor management, category management or IT commercial management, who can take ownership of supplier relationships, contract negotiations, performance reviews and governance.

You'll work closely with Digital Information leadership, Procurement, Finance, Service Management and external suppliers to improve service quality, manage commercial risks and ensure supplier activities align with wider technology strategies.

The Role

Active SC Clearance Mandatory | DV Preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT supplier management strategies, ensuring alignment with technology roadmaps and wider business objectives.
• Manage the supplier lifecycle, including sourcing, procurement, contract negotiations, renewals and offboarding.
• Monitor supplier performance against SLAs, KPIs and contractual commitments, leading supplier reviews and driving continuous improvement.
• Manage supplier risks, service issues, compliance and commercial performance while identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Build strong relationships across Digital Information, Procurement, Finance, Service Management and external suppliers.
• 3+ years' experience in IT supplier management, vendor management, supplier relationship management, procurement or commercial management.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in contract negotiation, supplier governance and performance management.
• Understanding of IT service management, SLAs, KPIs, risk management and supplier lifecycle processes.
• Experience within Defence, Aerospace, MOD, Defence Digital or another highly regulated environment.

Experience managing system integrators, managed service providers and professional services suppliers would be advantageous. ITIL, CIPS or other relevant professional qualifications are also desirable.