Supplier Relationship Manager

Direct Line Group Careers; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in roadside rescue services is seeking a Manager of Outsourced Partnerships to oversee supplier performance and relationships. This hybrid role involves managing budgets, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring compliance within the supplier network. The ideal candidate will have strong supplier management experience and excellent conflict resolution skills, with a focus on building trust-based relationships.

Benefits

9% employer-contributed pension

50% off home, motor, and pet insurance

Up to 10% annual bonus

25 days holiday (rising to 28)

Optional health and dental insurance

Employee discounts and cashback

Qualifications

• Experience managing external suppliers and conducting performance reviews.
• Ability to handle escalations and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Strong self-management and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of suppliers within the Green Flag Patrol Network.
• Conduct performance reviews and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier adherence to processes and manage disputes.

Skills

Supplier Management

Conflict Resolution

Data Analysis

Budget Management

Relationship Building

Influencing Skills

Job description

Manager of Outsourced Partnerships

Location: Any Direct Line Group Location – Hybrid working, 2 days per week in the office

Contract: Fixed Term - Up to 12 months

DLG is evolving. Our teams are embracing new opportunities and focusing on customer-centricity. Joining us means recognition for your skills, opportunities to grow, and empowerment to excel.

About Green Flag

Green Flag provides roadside rescue and recovery services across the UK, working with local technicians and independent garages. Our approach values skill and efficiency over flashy branding, ensuring quick and reliable customer service.

What you’ll do

Reporting to the Head of Outsourced Partnerships, you will manage daily operations of designated suppliers within the Green Flag Patrol Network, oversee performance, develop relationships, and collaborate with procurement on sourcing and negotiations.

1. Manage commercial spend within the supply chain.
2. Identify and onboard new suppliers, conducting due diligence.
3. Monitor geographical performance against KPIs and customer outcomes.
4. Conduct RCA and utilize data analysis to improve dashboards.
5. Take ownership of supplier performance and support supplier removal when necessary.
6. Maintain relationships through performance reviews of 15–30 suppliers.
7. Manage income and revenue performance with support from P&SC.
8. Build strong, trust-based relationships.
9. Own the risk framework, ensure compliance, and report breaches.
10. Communicate proactively with service providers and colleagues.
11. Act as an escalation point, resolve conflicts, and make customer-focused decisions.
12. Monitor supplier adherence to processes, financial stability, and manage disputes.
13. Handle conflict resolution at senior levels and adapt communication styles under pressure.
14. Conduct supplier audits per risk framework and processes.
15. Support out-of-hours issues on a rota basis.
16. Manage complaints and escalate trends as needed.
17. Coordinate with Patrols, Health & Safety, and the Green Flag Network for best practices and surge events.
18. Identify and maximize roadside revenue opportunities and potential new streams.

Working Model

Our hybrid model offers flexibility, with at least 2 days in the office per week depending on your role and team.

What you'll need

• Experience managing external suppliers, building partnerships, and conducting performance reviews.
• Experience managing budgets, commercial spend, and revenue within a supplier network.
• Ability to handle escalations, resolve conflicts, and make balanced decisions.
• Experience sourcing and onboarding suppliers, collaborating with procurement.
• Automotive industry background is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong self-management, independence, and teamwork skills.
• Effective influencing skills with internal and external stakeholders.

What we’ll offer

We value our people and offer benefits that support your lifestyle, including:

• 9% employer-contributed pension
• 50% off home, motor, and pet insurance, plus free travel and breakdown cover
• Up to 10% annual bonus
• 25 days holiday (rising to 28), bank holidays, and option to buy/sell days
• Optional health and dental insurance
• EV car scheme for leasing electric or hybrid cars
• Buy as you earn share scheme
• Employee discounts and cashback

Be yourself

We are an inclusive employer, valuing diversity and equal opportunity. We support adjustments during recruitment and welcome everyone to apply. For support, contact our recruitment team.

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