Supply Chain Manager

Cornerstone; Theale; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to own relationships with key suppliers and oversee governance processes to ensure contractual obligations are delivered in line with company strategy. The role supports the Operations team by managing supplier performance across the portfolio while prioritising health and safety in all supplier engagements.

The position focuses on day-to-day supplier governance, performance reviews, and ensuring delivery aligns with operational priorities and

Qualifications

• Experience in contract management and supplier governance.
• Experience managing supplier performance against contractual obligations and KPIs.
• Strong commercial management experience within an operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the primary relationship owner for strategic Operations suppliers.
• Leading governance forums and performance reviews.
• Monitoring supplier performance against contractual obligations, KPIs, and service levels.
• Driving accountability, performance improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Managing contractual issues, disputes, and performance escalations.

Job description

Our Vision: Continue to be the leading UK mobile infrastructure services company.

Our Mission: To be famous for excellence in delivery, embracing transformation with our people and our customers at its heart.

We are at an exciting time in our company’s development. We've come a long way since we were first formed in 2012. From the rollout of new technologies and managing complex legislation affecting the industry, we are leading the conversation on innovation and developing sharper solutions to serve our customers better. We collaborate as a team to meet the high standards expected of us and demand the best of ourselves through our values.

Role Purpose

The Supply Chain Manager owns relationships with key suppliers and oversees the governance processes that ensure contractual and service obligations are delivered consistently and in line with company strategy.

The role supports the Operations team in managing supplier performance across the operational portfolio, maintaining the appropriate commercial balance between delivery outcomes and long term value while prioritising health and safety in all supplier engagements.

Scope

The Supply Chain Manager is accountable for the day-to-day management and governance of key strategic Operations supplier relationships. The role ensures contractual obligations are clearly understood, tracked, and delivered while maintaining strong supplier engagement and promoting operational excellence.

The Operations Supply Chain Manager is responsible for:

• Acting as the primary relationship owner for strategic Operations suppliers.


• Leading regular governance forums and performance reviews.


• Monitoring supplier performance against contractual obligations, KPIs, and service levels.


• Driving accountability, performance improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Managing contractual issues, disputes, and performance escalations.


• Supporting contract variations, renewals, and change requests.


• Ensuring supplier compliance with Cornerstone policies, governance standards, and health and safety requirements.


• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure supplier delivery aligns with operational priorities and customer requirements.


• Providing oversight of risks, issues, and opportunities associated with supplier performance.

Delivery

The Supply Chain Manager will manage supplier performance and commercial outcomes across Operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Managing strategic supplier relationships to ensure delivery of contractual commitments.


• Leading governance forums and operational review meetings.


• Monitoring supplier KPIs and driving corrective actions where performance falls below expectations.


• Reviewing and challenging supplier forecasts, valuations, invoices, and claims.


• Ensuring appropriate commercial controls are applied to operational spend.


• Supporting financial planning, forecasting, and budget management activities.


• Identifying opportunities to improve value, efficiency, and contract performance.


• Managing contractual disputes and supporting resolution activities.


• Providing commercial insight and recommendations to Operations leadership.


• Supporting procurement and supplier selection activities where required.


• Working closely with Finance and Commercial teams to ensure robust cost management and reporting.


• Ensuring supplier compliance with contractual, safety, and regulatory obligations.


• Producing regular reports on supplier performance, contractual compliance, and commercial performance.

Role Expertise

To succeed in this role, the Supply Chain Manager must combine strong commercial judgement with effective supplier and contract management skills.

The postholder will have experience managing complex supplier arrangements, interpreting contractual requirements, and applying appropriate commercial challenge. They will be confident analysing costs, reviewing financial information, and ensuring supplier relationships deliver value for the business.

The role requires a proactive individual who can balance operational delivery with robust commercial governance, influencing suppliers and internal stakeholders while maintaining effective working relationships.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Experience

• Experience in contract management and supplier governance.


• Experience managing supplier performance against contractual obligations and KPIs.


• Experience reviewing and challenging supplier cost submissions, invoices, or valuations.


• Strong commercial management experience within an operational environment.


• Experience managing stakeholder relationships across multiple functions.


• Experience identifying and delivering cost-saving or efficiency initiatives.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commercial and financial acumen.


• Cost control and budget management skills.


• Ability to analyse financial information and supplier performance data.


• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.


• Strong governance and reporting skills.


• Effective dispute resolution and problem-solving skills.


• Advanced Excel and data analysis capability.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is fundamental to our success. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered. By embracing unique perspectives and experiences, we drive innovation and drive our organisation forward, therefore, we recognise the importance of welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We want to ensure everyone is able to present their best self throughout the recruitment process so if you require any adjustments, please let us know.