Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager

Royal London; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking company is seeking a Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager to enhance its partnerships with IT suppliers. This role involves managing supplier performance, risks, and costs while fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. The successful candidate will join a respected Procurement team, contributing to strategic outcomes and maximizing commercial value. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, this position offers a unique opportunity to impact the organization's procurement strategies significantly. Join a company that values inclusivity and offers competitive benefits in a fulfilling work environment.

Benefits

28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Up to 14% employer pension matching

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Significant experience in supplier management, preferably in financial services.
• Strong commercial knowledge and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive cost, risk, and performance through supplier management.
• Develop and maintain supplier account plans with revenue targets.

Skills

Supplier Management

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Stakeholder Management

Coaching and Development

Job description

Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager

Date: 6 May 2025

Company: Royal London Group

Contract Type: Permanent

Recruitment Business Partner: Georgina Dunne

Location: Edinburgh or Alderley Edge

Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and developing strategic and commercial relationships with Royal London’s IT partners. This includes working with relevant business stakeholders to implement a structured supplier management framework covering supplier performance, risk, cost, value, and relationship considerations.

They will also oversee the ongoing assessment of controls and risks related to the supplier services to ensure compliance with Group Policy and Risk Management principles.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected Procurement team that is delivering Royal London’s strategic outcomes across various change programmes, maximizing commercial value from partner relationships and procurement opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drive cost, risk, performance, and relationship value through best-in-class end-to-end supplier management.
2. Develop and maintain Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier account plans, including revenue targets, improvement plans, risks, contractual and regulatory requirements, and contingency plans.
3. Proactively review existing contractual arrangements in collaboration with category business executives and service owners.
4. Lead supplier relationships by providing regular updates on Royal London’s strategic priorities to foster enduring partnerships.
5. Manage escalation processes for supplier non-compliance and invoke contractual provisions as necessary.

Criteria

1. Significant experience in supplier management, preferably within financial services.
2. Strong commercial knowledge and negotiation skills to optimize services and leverage third-party relationships for maximum benefit.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience working with diverse stakeholders.
4. Ability to collaborate effectively, challenge, and influence business stakeholders.
5. Experience coaching and developing others in a continuous improvement environment.

About Royal London

We are the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings, and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise emphasizes working in an inclusive, responsible, enjoyable, and fulfilling environment, underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values: Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We offer competitive benefits such as 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 14% employer pension matching, and private medical insurance. Details of all benefits can be found here - Our Benefits.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging

We are an inclusive employer that values diverse backgrounds and cultures. Our varied perspectives enhance our skills and are recognized and respected across the organization.