Supply Chain Manager

Lindsay & Brownell, LLP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A waste management services provider in Bristol is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to manage supplier relationships and ensure efficient waste collection and disposal services. The role involves negotiating rates, onboarding new suppliers, and collaborating with internal teams for seamless service delivery. Ideal candidates will have supply chain experience and strong commercial awareness.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial awareness with ability to negotiate rates and contracts.
• Confidence in managing a wide supplier network.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proactive, with a strong analytical mindset.

Responsibilities

• Handle escalations or complex queries from suppliers.
• Identify and onboard new waste management partners.
• Negotiate disposal rates and transport fees.
• Decide which suppliers get which jobs.
• Ensure proper vetting and integration of new suppliers.
• Collaborate with customer service to ensure reliable service.

Skills

Experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier management

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving approach

Job description

Our client is a forward-thinking waste management and environmental services provider dedicated to keeping communities cleaner, greener, and safer. Working with businesses, local authorities, and households, they deliver reliable waste collection, recycling, and resource-recovery solutions that make a real difference.

Their mission is simple: reduce environmental impact while providing exceptional customer service. From improving recycling rates to investing in innovative technologies and supporting local sustainability initiatives, they are committed to driving positive change in everything they do.

Joining their team means becoming part of a supportive, growing organisation where every contribution truly matters. They value fresh ideas, encourage development, and offer opportunities to build a long-term career in an essential and fast-evolving industry.

An opportunity has arisen for a newly created role for a Supply Chain Manager to be based at their offices in Keynsham.

The Supply Chain Manager would be responsible for ensuring our client has a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective network of suppliers and subcontractors to handle waste collection, treatment, transport, and disposal services across different regions and waste streams.

They act as the bridge between the business, suppliers, and internal teams (onboarding, customer service, operations), making sure all parties are aligned on service standards, pricing, and capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier liaison & relationship management: Handle escalations or complex queries from existing suppliers for example, disputes over load acceptance, compliance documentation, or service standards.
• Supplier sourcing & onboarding: Identify and bring on new waste management partners (recycling facilities, transfer stations, haulage contractors, skip/roro operators, hazardous waste specialists, etc.) to expand their geographic reach and service offering.
• Negotiation & pricing: Negotiate disposal rates, transport fees, and rebates with suppliers to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Allocating parcels of work: Decide which supplier gets which jobs based on location, capacity, waste type, cost, and compliance essentially managing supply versus demand in real time.
• Overseeing the onboarding team: Ensure that all new suppliers are properly vetted (insurance, licenses, environmental permits, documentation) and integrated into the workflow quickly and smoothly.
• Collaboration with Customer Service (CS): Work closely with CS to ensure that when a new site or customer is added, there’s a reliable supplier in place to deliver service without interruption.

The Candidate

• Experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier management, within a service related industry.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate rates, contracts, and supplier terms.
• Confidence in managing a wide supplier network and handling escalations or sensitive conversations professionally.
• Excellent communication skills, able to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach with the ability to make quick, informed decisions.
• Strong analytical skills, comfortable working with data, pricing, and supplier performance metrics.
• Understanding of compliance requirements, documentation, and regulatory standards (or the ability to learn quickly).
• A collaborative mindset, working closely with Customer Service, Operations, and onboarding teams to ensure seamless service delivery.