Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager

Royal London; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company is seeking a Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager to oversee key supplier relationships and drive improvements in performance and risk management. This role involves independent leadership in supplier management frameworks and requires strong analytical and relationship management skills. Ideal candidates will have experience in procurement, preferably within the financial sector, and be adept at aligning supplier strategies with business goals. The position offers a hybrid working style and a range of benefits.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Up to 14% employer matching pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement and supplier management, preferably in financial sector.
• Knowledge of commercial models and techniques for effective supplier management.
• Capacity to manage complex projects and services simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Manage strategic relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost improvement and service performance.
• Ensure compliance with Supplier Management Framework policies.

Skills

Procurement and supplier management

Cost reduction strategies

Relationship management

Analytical skills

Commercial acumen

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Hiring Manager: Susan Moore

Recruitment Business Partner: Georgina Dunne

Location: Edinburgh or Alderley Park (Cheshire)

Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based

Closing Date: 18/12/2025

Royal London is hiring a Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager to provide trusted commercial support and deliver strong cost, risk, and relationship management value. This role will contribute to establishing a centre of commercial excellence through effective sourcing and supplier management for the Royal London Group.

About the Role

You will be responsible for the management and strategic development of Royal London's relationship with a select number of Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 suppliers, including those that support Important Business Services (IBSs).

Working independently with the relevant business stakeholders to lead and deliver a structured supplier management framework; and covering supplier performance, risk, cost, and relationship considerations in line with Royal London's Procurement and Third-Party Management Policy and SRM Handbook best practices.

Bringing extensive thought leadership, you'll help shape how we choose and manage suppliers across the business, bringing fresh ideas and external insight. Your input will help guide our long‑term strategy and ensure alignment with Royal London's goals.

Key Contributions

• Be fully responsible for owning a select number of Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 suppliers that may support IBSs as per the Supplier Segmentation model.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation which reduce costs, mitigate risks, and improve service and performance, aligning to Royal London's strategic goals.
• Design, lead, and implement preferred supplier management frameworks based upon segmentation and policy requirements, the Royal London SRM Handbook, and using GEP (RLG's sourcing platform) toolsets where applicable.
• Accountable for ensuring compliance to the use of the Supplier Management Framework for relevant Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers that may support IBSs.
• Build and develop strong senior stakeholder relationships throughout Royal London relevant to owned suppliers.
• Responsible for all relevant supplier risk management and audit activities related to owned suppliers.
• Responsible for driving Royal London's Sustainability agenda with our owned suppliers; collaborating with them and SMEs in the Group on specific areas including environmental and social targets, monitoring their progress against targets and initiatives.
• Reflect the Spirit of Royal London values through demonstrating positive behaviours in relation to your goals and with all stakeholders.

About You

• Demonstrable experience in procurement and supplier management, preferably within the financial sector but this is not a necessity.
• Expert knowledge of commercial models and approaches/techniques necessary to achieve best in class supplier management and value add from leveraging these relationships.
• Proven ability to achieve substantial cost and operational benefits.
• Outstanding relationship management, business partnering and influencing skill set.
• Strong analytical skills: great attention to detail and capability to see, assess, and mitigate commercial, contractual, and service delivery risks.
• Clear thinker, with proven commercial acumen and strategic focus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with a range of audiences (internal and external).
• Ability to manage a variety of complex projects / business requirements / services simultaneously.
• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial contracts and regulatory standards (e.g., Outsourcing).
• Represent the team in a wholly professional and ethical manner.
• Participate in team working and taking opportunities to take ownership of activities or lead when appropriate.

About Royal London

We're the UK's largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, offering protection, long‑term savings and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance. You can see all our benefits here - Our Benefits

Inclusion, diversity and belonging

We're an Inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected - whatever their background.