IT Supplier Manager - SC Cleared

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

CBSbutler is seeking an experienced IT Supplier Manager to support a Digital Information function for sensitive MOD, aerospace and defence programmes. You will manage the end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle, develop governance frameworks and drive supplier performance across budgets and SLAs.

Ideally you will have 3+ years in IT supplier management, strong negotiation skills, and experience in regulated environments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in IT Supplier Management.
• Experience developing and executing IT supplier strategies.
• Strong commercial and contract management experience.
• Experience in highly regulated environments (aerospace/defence MOD).
• Knowledge of IT compliance, risk management and regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record improving supplier performance (cost/service).
• Familiarity with System Integrators and IT supplier landscape.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the IT supplier strategy aligned with Digital Information and technology.
• Manage end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle from evaluation to offboarding.
• Develop supplier governance frameworks, SLAs and metrics.
• Interface between Digital Information, Procurement, Finance and IT suppliers.
• Support procurement activities including tenders and contract renewals.
• Lead supplier performance reviews ensuring SLAs and service quality.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements in quality, cost, service, and innovation.
• Identify and resolve supplier gaps, risks and compliance issues.
• Collaborate with Finance on budget management and cost-saving initiatives.
• Contribute to CAB, supplier reviews and operational meetings.
• Stay updated on IT supplier management best practices.

Skills

IT Supplier Management

Contract negotiation

Supplier governance

Stakeholder management

Regulated environments

Cost optimisation

Performance management

Vendor onboarding

Communication

Tender processes

Job description

IT Supplier Manager - Digital Information

6-Month Rolling Contract Reading Hybrid 2-3 Days Onsite per Week
80.00- 84.82 per hour Inside IR35
Active SC Clearance Mandatory DV Clearance Desirable

We are currently seeking an experienced IT Supplier Manager to join a Digital Information function supporting highly sensitive MOD, aerospace and defence programmes.

This is a key supplier management role, responsible for supporting the development and execution of the IT supplier strategy and management framework. You will work closely with Digital Information leadership, Procurement, Finance, Service Management and wider business stakeholders to ensure suppliers deliver against agreed commercial, operational and service expectations.

The Opportunity

As IT Supplier Manager, you will support the end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle, from supplier identification and evaluation through procurement, contract negotiation, performance management and eventual offboarding.

The successful candidate will bring strong commercial acumen, supplier management expertise and process/governance experience, ideally gained within a highly regulated environment such as aerospace, defence or the MOD.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the definition and execution of the IT supplier strategy, ensuring alignment with wider Digital Information and technology strategies.
• Manage and support the end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle, including evaluation, procurement, contracting, performance management and offboarding.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier governance frameworks, processes, SLAs and performance metrics.
• Act as a key interface between Digital Information, Procurement, Finance, Business stakeholders and IT suppliers.
• Support supplier procurement activities, including tender processes, commercial negotiations and contract renewals.
• Lead and facilitate regular supplier performance reviews, ensuring SLAs, service quality and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
• Monitor day-to-day supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement across quality, cost, service and innovation.
• Identify, manage and resolve supplier service gaps, risks, compliance issues and performance concerns.
• Work closely with Finance to support budget management and supplier cost-saving initiatives.
• Contribute to key IT service and business forums, including CAB, supplier performance reviews and operational meetings.
• Maintain awareness of emerging approaches, tools and best practice in IT supplier management.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• 3+ years' experience in IT Supplier Management, covering supplier identification/evaluation, contracting, performance management and offboarding.
• Demonstrable experience developing and executing IT supplier management strategies.
• Strong commercial and contract management experience, including negotiating complex IT contracts.
• Experience working within a highly regulated environment, ideally Aerospace, Defence, MOD or Defence Digital.
• Strong understanding of IT compliance, risk management and regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record of improving supplier performance, including cost efficiency, service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Strong understanding of the IT supplier landscape, including System Integrators (SIs) and their service offerings.
• Strong process creation, governance and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.

Desirable

• Experience transitioning IT supplier contracts between multiple legal entities.
• Experience establishing and operating a comprehensive IT supplier governance framework.
• Experience with tendering, supplier selection and ongoing performance management.
• DV Clearance.
• Relevant professional qualifications/certifications such as CIPS, ITIL or PMP.

Security Clearance

Active SC Clearance is mandatory.
DV Clearance is highly desirable due to the sensitive nature of the programmes and onsite working requirements.

Contract Details

• Contract: 6-month rolling contract
• Location: Reading
• Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2-3 days onsite per week
• Rate: 80.00- 84.82 per hour
• IR35: Inside IR35
• Clearance: Active SC mandatory; DV desirable

If you have strong IT Supplier Management, commercial and governance experience and have worked within Defence, Aerospace, MOD or another highly regulated environment, we'd be keen to hear from you.