VodafoneThree - Space Planning - Vendor, Innovation Lead

VodafoneThree; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

28 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension plan

Charity/volunteer time

Job summary

VodafoneThree is seeking a Vendor Manager to lead the strategy and governance of our external partners. You will shape long-term vendor plans, collaborate with vendors, and ensure alignment with business objectives.

This role focuses on proactive engagement and strong relationships across multiple stakeholders. You will work in a hybrid environment with UK offices and remote options, contributing to a connected nation while driving efficiency and business impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with vendors or third-party suppliers.
• Proactive, self-driven mindset with the confidence to work independently.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to handle high-stakes conversations.

Responsibilities

• Build and embed a forward-looking vendor strategy with 2-year milestones.
• Partner with vendors to align plans with broader objectives and BU planning.
• Move engagement from last-minute to early, structured collaboration.
• Bring fresh perspectives to vendor processes and execution.
• Assess current ways of working and propose improved approaches.
• Develop trusted relationships with third-party suppliers and manage conversations.
• Act as a key contact between stakeholders and vendors to ensure clarity and accountability.

Skills

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Job description

Location: Any VodafoneThree Office Location + Hybrid

Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits

Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday

Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Be a part of VodafoneThree Consumer Operations, where delivering exceptional customer experiences is at the heart of everything we do. From supporting our customers across multiple sales and care channels to driving operational excellence and digital transformation, we work to enhance every interaction. This is where innovation meets service, and where your impact can make a real difference.

What You’ll Do

You’ll take the lead in shaping how we partner with our vendors—bringing fresh thinking and a more forward-looking approach to how we plan, collaborate, and deliver. With a stronger focus on vendor strategy than traditional space planning, you’ll help shift the mindset from reactive to proactive, ensuring vendors are aligned well ahead of key milestones and business needs.

• Build and embed a forward-looking vendor strategy, focusing on long-term (2-year) milestones and expectations
• Partner closely with vendors to align their plans with broader business unit objectives (BUA planning)
• Move vendor engagement from last-minute involvement to early, structured collaboration
• Bring fresh, innovative perspectives to how vendor processes are designed and executed
• Independently assess current ways of working and propose improved approaches
• Develop strong, trusted relationships with third-party suppliers while confidently managing challenging conversations
• Act as a key point of contact between stakeholders and vendors, ensuring clarity, alignment, and accountability

Who You Are

• Proven experience working with vendors or third-party suppliers (ideally outside retail environments)
• A proactive, self-driven mindset with the confidence to work independently and bring forward your own ideas and solutions
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience dealing directly with vendors
• Ability to build positive relationships while also handling difficult or high-stakes conversations professionally
• Experience collaborating with external partners or suppliers (industry experience does not need to be telecom-specific)
• Someone who thinks differently and challenges the status quo to improve outcomes

What We Offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.

Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/reasonable-adjustments/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.

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